Senate Resolution No. 2432

BY: Senator ASHBY

CONGRATULATING the members of the Hoosic Valley
Odyssey of the Mind Teams upon the occasion of
winning first place in New York State for their
outstanding solutions to their respective problems

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord
with its long-standing traditions, honoring the youth of today, and
leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements best exemplify the
ideals and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate the
members of the Hoosic Valley Odyssey of the Mind Teams upon the occasion
of winning first place in New York State for their outstanding solutions
to their respective problems on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the New York
State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, New York; and

WHEREAS, Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program
in which students from kindergarten through college learn how to think
divergently by working as a team to solve an open-ended problem; and

WHEREAS, As part of the Odyssey of the Mind program, students also
learn creativity, innovation, problem-solving, critical thinking, global
awareness, interpersonal and collaborative communication skills, self-
directions and adaptability; and

WHEREAS, Competing against over 250 teams across New York State, the
Hoosic Valley Odyssey of the Mind Teams have won first place in two
categories; the Division 2 team captured the championship in problem 5
and the Division 3 team dominated Problem 3 to win the title; and

WHEREAS, The two first place teams will be advancing to the Odyssey
of the Mind World Tournament at Iowa State University from May 20
through May 25, 2024; and

WHEREAS, The Hoosic Valley Division 3 Odyssey of the Mind Team
members are: Isabella Schmidt, Evan Antolick, Anna Grace Macica, Terrie
Cottrell, Marie Ackerley, Amelia Stannard, and Sophia Wilson; and

WHEREAS, The Hoosic Valley Division 2 Odyssey of the Mind Team
members are: Laura Rice, Hayley Valcik, Nora Luskin, Makenna Luskin,
Sophia Akin, Rileigh Davis, and Brielle Chapko; and

WHEREAS, Coach Kyle Schmidt and Coach Margaret Rice have done superb
jobs in guiding, molding and inspiring their team members toward their
goals; and

WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose,
these scholars now stand honorably, with just pride in their
accomplishments and in eager anticipation of future challenges,
understanding and appreciating the caring counsel and support provided
by their coach, teachers, family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Educational competition instills the values of teamwork and
accomplishment, and these outstanding students have clearly contributed
to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of their school; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the members of the Hoosic Valley Odyssey of the Mind Teams
upon the occasion of winning first place in New York State for their
outstanding solutions to their respective problems; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Coach Kyle Schmidt, Coach Margaret Rice, and the members
of the Hoosic Valley Odyssey of the Mind Teams.