Dear Editor:

I am writing to request support for the Richmond Hill High School Odyssey of the Mind Team as we attempt to secure funding to travel to the 29th Annual World Finals competition.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students. Students apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. Their solutions are presented at competitions on the regional, state, and world level. Thousands of teams from throughout the United States and from approximately 25 other countries participate in the program.

In March, four teams from Richmond Hill High School won at the regional competition, and on April 18, one of those teams won second place at the Georgia state competition level. This allows them to compete at the World Finals held May 31- June 3 at the University of Maryland in College Park. This team also won the Ranatra Fusca Award for exceptional creativity in engineering, the most prestigious award available for creativity.

Our transportation costs are several thousand dollars. The team has held two recent fundraisers for this event: the first at Beef O’Brady’s and the second at Arby’s. Thanks to both organizations for their support, and for all those who have already contributed!

However, we are still short of our requirement and would appreciate any support that you can provide. If you are able, please make checks payable to RHHS Odyssey of the Mind. They can be mailed to:

RHHS Odyssey of the Mind Team

611 Cranston Bluff Road

Richmond Hill, GA 31324

Odyssey of the Mind challenges students to solve problems through creative means. In the future, these same students will answer questions that have not yet been asked.

Thanking you for your support.