Warwick high school OM team still needs your help

WARWICK — Two years ago when Warwick Valley High School high cut funding for non-athletic programs, such as Odyssey of the Mind, an intellectual competition, the kids and their parents had no choice but to raise the money themselves for entrance fees and travel to the regional and state trials.

This year, the high school team took first place in the state for their age group, and won the Fusco Award for most creative team in the state in all age groups. In doing, so they have brought honor to themselves, their school and their community and earned the right to compete in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, May 22 to 27, at Iowa State University.

But competing against the best teams from 38 states and 16 countries is expected to cost nearly $11,000 to get the team to Iowa, and for accommodations and fees.

Even after numerous fund-raising events, and donations from local business, the team is still short of the goal, and is reaching out to the community for support. Please consider making a donation; any amount will be appreciated. And because the team is sponsored by the Warwick Valley Humane Society, all donations are tax deductible.

Checks can be made payable to: Purple Champions Club, and mailed to: WVHS Odyssey of the Mind Team, c/o Kelly DiCarlantonio, 10 Valley View Circle, Warwick, N.Y. 10990

Millions of kids work hard all year perfecting their solutions to Odyssey problems and competing within their regions and states. Being smart, having curiosity, developing a love of learning and competing in creative teams, are the goals of Odyssey of the Mind. Please support our Warwick team.

Stand up for the value of intellectual curiosity and learning.

This item was submitted by Andrea Lee Spinelli.