EDISON, NJ – In a remarkable display of creativity and problem-solving prowess, students from Martin Luther King Elementary School have achieved international acclaim by winning First Place at the 2025 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals. The team, composed of talented 4th and 5th graders, secured their victory in the “Save Me Structure” Division 1 against 51 teams.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem-solving competition that challenges students to think innovatively and work collaboratively to develop unique solutions to complex problems. Teams compete in various categories that test their ingenuity, teamwork, and resourcefulness, making Odyssey of the Mind a prestigious platform for young minds to showcase their talents. The competition progresses from Regional to State levels, culminating in the World Finals.
The 2025 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, held from May 21–24 at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, hosted teams from across the U.S. and countries including Sweden, Poland, China, Singapore, India, and South Korea.
Under the guidance of Teacher Coach Mrs. Kim Kai-Cheng Poon, the Martin Luther King Elementary School team tackled Problem 4 “Save Me Structure” in Division 1. This challenge required teams to design and build a lightweight structure primarily from balsa wood and glue, which was then subjected to increasing weight until it broke. The true ingenuity of the challenge lay not just in its structural integrity, but also in integrating this technical feat into a creative performance.
Teams had to present a skit or story that incorporated the structure and its eventual test, adding an artistic dimension to the engineering task. The Martin Luther King Elementary School team’s structure held an astounding 1095 pounds, showcasing their exceptional understanding of engineering principles and their ability to execute a robust design, all while delivering a compelling performance.
The winning team members—Aarika Shukla, Akshara Deshpande, Amay Maheswari, Anika Dubey, Burhanuddin Jaorawala, Sahashra Saravanan, and Saket Kalangi—demonstrated exceptional teamwork and ingenuity, earning them the top spot and bringing pride to their school and community.
Their success highlights not only their dedication but also the spirit of innovation and collaboration that Odyssey of the Mind cultivates in students worldwide. This is a great accomplishment for the team, their school, and the Edison community.
