Categories: College University Athletics

Holly Ridge Students Advance to World Finals of Odyssey of the Mind

Holly Ridge students rehearsing for Odyssey of the Mind performance

News Summary

A talented team from Coastal Elementary School in Holly Ridge is set to compete at the World Finals of Odyssey of the Mind after their impressive first-place win at the state level. Under the guidance of Coach Shana Cremer, these enthusiastic young performers have spent months preparing a creative skit inspired by Winnie the Pooh, promoting healthy eating habits. To fund their journey to Michigan State University, they are raising between $8,000 and $10,000 through various fundraising events. The community is rallying in support as these students prepare to showcase their talents.

Holly Ridge Students Set Sail for World Finals!

Get ready, Holly Ridge! A talented team from Coastal Elementary School is gearing up for an unforgettable adventure at the World Finals of Odyssey of the Mind, taking place at the famous Michigan State University next month. This incredible opportunity comes after their first-place victory at the state competition, which allowed them to advance and showcase their creativity on a global stage.

Creativity Unleashed

Odyssey of the Mind is all about teaching children creative problem-solving skills through the magic of self-created skits. It encourages young minds to think outside the box and tackle challenges while having loads of fun. And that’s exactly what the students at Coastal Elementary have done! Their team consists of seven enthusiastic young performers: third graders Carter Wiley and Jetson Kingery; fourth graders Emet Levent, Renni Rivera, and Nora Martin; and fifth graders Arya West and William Conard.

But wait, there’s more! The team is guided by the energetic coach Shana Cremer, who has dedicated eight years to this inspiring program. With this being their first time competing at the state level and making it to the World Finals, the stakes have never been higher.

A Taste of Winnie the Pooh

So, what can we expect from their performance? This year, the team has decided to whisk us away to the Hundred Acre Wood with a delightful scene inspired by Winnie the Pooh. The skit revolves around everyone’s favorite honey-loving bear getting stuck in Rabbit’s house after an epic binge. But fear not! The team has cleverly woven a message into their story. The mission is to promote healthier eating habits and to help Pooh lose weight utilizing a special honey-draining bowl that he stumbles upon. What a sweet twist!

Months of Preparation

The team has been working diligently for over six months to perfect their craft. Their rehearsals have been nothing short of impressive, filled with evening and weekend sessions that showcase their commitment and teamwork. From creating costumes to designing props and writing scripts entirely on their own, these kids are truly making this experience their own!

And, of course, the excitement is palpable. The students feel proud of their hard work and see themselves as champions already, ready to represent their school and community on a much larger stage. The supportive spirit in Holly Ridge is on fire!

Fundraising Fun

To help make their dream a reality, the team is aiming to raise between $8,000 and $10,000 to cover travel expenses, with Onslow County Schools generously funding their lodging. To raise those funds, they have been busy hosting a series of events. They recently participated in the Holly Ridge Bee Festival on April 26 and have a future fundraiser planned at Smoky Tony’s on May 3.

The goal is to wrap up their fundraising efforts by May 12, and every little bit helps! For those who are looking to lend a helping hand, Coach Shana Cremer can be contacted via email at shana.cremer@onslow.k12.nc.us to make donations or inquire about supporting this talented bunch.

A Bright Future Ahead

As the countdown to Michigan State University begins, the enthusiasm and determination of the Coastal Elementary team shine bright. With their creative minds and hard work, these students are not just heading to compete; they’re ready to dazzle everyone with their imaginative performance.

As we cheer them on, it’s clear that Holly Ridge is bursting with pride for these promising young stars who are taking their talents far and wide. Let’s rally together and support this fantastic journey – because when our kids shine, we all shine!