Despite three “lock-downs” and program delays, two teams from Sumter County Elementary continued their march of excellence in the Georgia Odyssey of the Mind. Only minutes before the Gold team from Sumter County Elementary School was to enter for their Long Term production, another “lock-down” was called due to a third tornado warning in the hills of north Georgia! The devastating winds and possible tornado in downtown Atlanta had traveled north to Flowery Branch High School, the site of the third of four regional competitions.

This team was scheduled to perform at 1:45 p.m. After their on-stage presentation at 3 p.m., no loss of confidence was apparent. The team won first place in their division!

Several state spectators had remarked to some Sumter County adults, “These teams from Sumter County are the teams to watch!” Sumter County is becoming a winning name in award presentations during the closing ceremony of Odyssey of the Mind!

It was later learned that a tornado was near Flowery Branch High School but skipped the site filled with over 1,300 students and adults. The Gold team shared their Spontaneous problem talent in the morning. The Blue team’s solution was again delayed by the tornado threat. Earlier in the day, the Blue team from Sumter County Elementary had performed their Long Term presentation for judges. This team’s depiction of the March 1 tornado in Americus was shared with creative backdrops and props. As they wore hats made from voting signs of the MRI, the spirited team shared a compelling script of the destruction and recovery of the hospital. Little did these students know that tornados had been spotted in the area.

These two creative groups will join three other teams from Sumter County Schools. A team from Sarah Cobb Elementary and two from Sumter County Middle School will travel to Columbus State University on April 19. To have five teams from Sumter County School has set a new record at this level of competition. A team or teams from Sumter County Schools have advanced to State competition every year since the program’s creation in 1999. For the past six years, a team or team have traveled from Sumter County to World Finals and competition with other teams from over 20 countries from around the world.