Da Vinci Students Shine at Odyssey of the Mind World Finals with 3rd Place Win
Da Vinci students from Connect TK-8, Design, and Science proudly represented Da Vinci Schools at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, held May 21–24, 2025, in Michigan—earning an impressive 3rd place out of 42 international and state teams for their problem and division!
Team Highlights
Team Technical Difficulties, composed of 5th–7th grade students from Da Vinci Connect TK-8, lived up to their name when their animal robot malfunctioned mid-performance. Despite the unexpected technical hiccup, the team demonstrated perseverance and creativity, finishing 31st out of 36 and earning admiration for their resilience and positive spirit.
Team Platypus United, featuring 8th-grade students from Da Vinci Connect TK-8 and 9th-grade students from Da Vinci Design and Da Vinci Science, wowed judges and spectators alike with their captivating props, costumes, and storytelling. Their outstanding performance secured them a 3rd place finish in their division and problem.
“It was a fantastic trip with all the students proud of their hard work and the successes they achieved throughout the year,” shared parent Kim Vellenga.
The Da Vinci Spirit in Action
Throughout the competition, Da Vinci students showcased the very best of what a Da Vinci education fosters—creativity, collaboration, adaptability, and persistence. As resourceful and imaginative problem-solvers, they exemplified the qualities that empower learners to thrive in complex, real-world scenarios.
About Odyssey of the Mind
Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides students from kindergarten through college with opportunities to solve open-ended problems that range from building mechanical devices to reimagining literary works. It promotes creative thinking, teamwork, budgeting, time management, public speaking, and above all, confidence in students’ ability to innovate and persevere.
This international experience helps students of all backgrounds grow as learners and as teammates, preparing them to reach their full potential in school and beyond.
Way to go, Da Vinci Odyssey Teams! We are so proud of your accomplishments and spirit!
