06/11/2026
On this Throwback Thursday, let's reminisce about African Rd. Elementary students' recent trip to Iowa State University, where they competed in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals. On their down time from the competition, they explored the campus and enjoyed sightseeing around the area.
James Palombaro and Myra Upreti, first-time competitors at the Odyssey of the Mind (OotM) World Finals, were delighted to represent ARE as part of the New York State walk-in crew in the Competition's Opening Ceremony. Both students were thrilled by the experience of waving to a roaring crowd cheering for them from all directions including teammates: Gyati Upreti, Emma Tong, Aarav Raj, Mithra Senthil, & Inaya Khawar.
When they weren't competing, the team made the most of their time at Iowa State University. They enjoyed swimming at the university gym, earning a pin at the Creativity Festival, trading pins with global participants, shopping for souvenirs for their teachers & friends at the international marketplace and treating themselves to ice cream at the famous Iowa State Creamery alongside the VMS team.
The fun didn't stop with the students; the ARE team also took part in the event's additional coaches' competition. Coaches Jessica Palombaro and Bindia Upreti, alongside district co-coordinator Jen Sonnen, chose a "Solar System" theme. The coaches portrayed the Sun, Moon, and Mother Earth, while the students played the planets revolving around them. It was a fitting finale to a great year, metaphorically showing the students creatively "running circles" around the coaches who kept everyone focused on productive, structured fun!
