Kilgore and Phenix students earn top honors at Odyssey of the Mind Competition

Students from Kilgore Gifted Center and Phenix PreK-8 School delivered outstanding performances at the regional Odyssey of the Mind Competition on February 21, 2026, at Menchville High School, earning multiple top placements across divisions.

 

In Problem 1: Vehicle, the team from Kilgore Gifted Center earned 2nd place under the coaching of Danielle Smith and Masao Green.

 

In Problem 3: The Classics, the Phenix team competing in Division 1 (elementary level) captured 1st place, coached by Courtney Worrell. Kilgore Gifted Center’s Division 2 (middle school level) team earned 2nd place, also coached by Smith and Green.

 

Kilgore Gifted Center secured 1st place in Problem 5: Performance. With this win, the team will advance to the Virginia State Tournament on March 14, 2026, at Tuscarora High School in Leesburg.

 

“The Phenix team prepared to compete with 1st place in their hearts from the start,” said Phenix principal Robin Hunt-Crenshaw. “When it was announced that they placed 1st in the Odyssey of the Mind competition, it was a reminder that creativity, collaboration, and perseverance truly pays off. They truly ensured that the Legacy of Greatness Continues – GO PANTHERS!”

 

“Everyone at Kilgore Gifted Center is very proud of all of our Odyssey of the Mind participants,” said Kilgore principal Paul Lawrence. “Special thanks to our parent volunteers and especially to our coaches Danielle Smith and Masao Green.”

Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem-solving competition that challenges students to apply critical thinking, teamwork, and innovation to develop original long-term solutions and perform them for judges.

 

Throughout the competition, students demonstrated impressive problem-solving skills, collaboration, and perseverance. Their performances were engaging, humorous, and thoughtfully constructed, reflecting the significant time and dedication invested in preparation.

 

Congratulations to each of the students and coaches on their outstanding wins!