Odyssey is 'a memory forever in our hearts'

By Frances Ruth Harris
CHESTER — Cynthia Acevedo, Chester Academy's Odyssey of the Mind coach, shared a video of the Division 3 Team and their Second Place standing in the Region 5 Tournament with the school board on June 17.

This is especially impressive because it was the team's debut in the division — and Region 5 produces more state and world champions than any others in the United States. In fact, competing in Region 5 is “like qualifying at a track meet with the local Olympians," Acevedo said.

Chester’s Division 1 team won the regional and state tournaments before going on to place 20th in the world finals.

The team worked tirelessly to achieve their wins, Acevedo said. On numerous Saturday mornings, Tyler Cox and Dave Lawson taught the kids how to safely and effectively use several power tools to rebuild their set. Elementary school Principal Cindy Walsh, as director of the program, gave “150 percent and was their Number One Cheerleader," Acevedo said. And Debra Lys, the school board clerk, also gave vital “administrative support and showed infinite patience.”

Chester reached their fundraising goal of $7,000 to send the team to the world finals in Michigan.

“A very special and warm thank you goes to Chester Fire Department, who not only loaned us their grills for our pancake breakfast but greeted the team bus with sirens and flashing lights and escorted us down Main Street and to the elementary school," said Acevedo. "It is a memory that is forever in our hearts.”

The team’s shirt design — “8 months for 8 minutes” — indicates that no skit can be longer than 8 minutes, with many months of preparation going into it.

“When you advance to the world finals, you will have worked at least an unbelievable 8 months on perfecting an 8 minute skit," Acevedo said.