June 18, 2001

From the desk of the Regional Director

Congratulations to all of the regional teams, coaches, volunteers, coordinators, officials, and board members for the fantastic 2001 Odyssey of the Mind Program. Thank you to everyone for all you have done to support creativity in North Carolina.

Now, as we relax, travel and enjoy our summer please take a moment to think about the benefits of Odyssey of the Mind for our future generations and what you can do to help. It takes a TEAM of volunteers to keep this organization running smoothly for our kids. The Eastern Region needs YOU. Please contact a board member to volunteer to help in whatever capacity you are able.

Patti Adams

Tournament Director

A very special thank you to Janell Lovelace, Eastern Region Tournament Director for the wonderful tournament she enabled the Eastern Region kids to have in 2001. As many of you noticed, Janell and Tanner are expecting their first child any day now, so their focus will, naturally, be redirected for a time. We look forward to welcoming this newest OMER.

The Eastern Region needs a tournament director for 2002. The skills needed are organization, delegation, attention to detail, diplomacy and teamwork. The rewards are amazing, when you see over 600 students participate in this terrific opportunity to learn and grow. Please, won’t YOU volunteer?

Eastern Region Board Meeting

The Eastern Region Board will meet on August 23, 2001 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM at Nortel Networks. Board meetings are always open to anyone interested. Agenda items will include plans for 2002. Please contact Amber Hurst ahurst@nortelnetworks.com or 740-2699 to RSVP.

Odyssey of the Mind 2002

Problem Synopsis are available on the websites. Registration is already underway online at www.odysseyofthemind.org for 2002. Be sure to check the website, the Spring Odyssey of the Mind newsletter, and the Eastern website for important changes such as the following age category change.

Cut-Off Dates for Divisions I and II.
Division eligibility is determined by age or grade and the determining date is now May 1. Team members are in Division I if they are less than 12 years old OR are in fifth grade on May 1. Team members are in division II if they are less than 15 years old OR are in the eight grade on May 1. As always, the division will be determined by the age of the oldest team member.

World Finals 2001:
"A Creative Odyssey!"

Twenty-nine North Carolina teams joined almost 700 teams from across the United States and from several countries of the world to spend four fun-filled days, from June 2nd to June 6th, competing in College Park, Maryland. All of the teams performed well and their solutions reflected the growth and development of the student’s ideas and abilities in creative problem solving.

The Eastern Region can be extremely proud of the eight teams who represented us at World Finals. Team and state spirit was exceptional throughout the tournament. Our teams went to watch and cheer on fellow teams and at the award ceremony the entire North Carolina contingent was on its feet cheering our award winners. The eight teams all placed in the upper 50% of their problem and division demonstrating the strength of our regional teams. Four ER teams received recognition during the award ceremony.