Ethan and Carmen Joly {courtesy}
Two Coral Springs students are headed to the global stage after their Odyssey of the Mind team earned a spot at the upcoming World Finals at Iowa State University in May.
Ethan Joly, 14, and his sister, Carmen Joly, 10, are members of Dream Team Homeschool, a South Florida-based Odyssey of the Mind team comprising students ages 10 to 16. The team, led by student coach Ben Erstein, competes at the high school level and has advanced through regional and state competitions to qualify for the international event.
Dream Team Homeschool took first place at the regional tournament in Port St. Lucie in February, earning a spot at the state competition in Orlando. There, the team placed third overall, securing its spot at World Finals in Ames, Iowa.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that challenges students to solve complex problems through creativity, teamwork, and innovation. Teams from around the world will compete at the World Finals.
According to mom Lindsay Joly, this is a hands-off competition. Each year, teams select one of five problems and craft a solution according to that specific problem’s rubric. Some teams choose a vehicle, others may opt for performance, and a few mechanically inclined, even take on building a structure of only balsa wood and glue.
She added that the teams also participate in what’s known as a “spontaneous” challenge, testing their ability to think creatively without preparation. Whether the challenge is verbal or hands-on, teams have the opportunity to rapidly strategize and execute while judges watch in real time.
Teammates Amelia, Mateo, Jax, Carmen, Skyler, Mila, and Ethan. {courtesy}
To help offset travel expenses, the team is hosting a virtual raffle featuring 20 prizes, including gift cards and items from local Coral Springs and South Florida businesses. Among the prizes are a $100 gift card to Hellenic Republic and a $500 prize to The Guild, along with additional prize baskets that can be shipped nationwide.
The raffle is currently scheduled to close on April 26, though organizers said the deadline could be extended. Supporters can learn more or participate through the team’s raffle page on Facebook.
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