Edison, NJ – A wave of excitement is sweeping through Edison as students from Martin Luther King Elementary School (MLK) have achieved remarkable success, securing an impressive 6th place at the highly competitive Odyssey of the Mind World Finals 2025. The international competition, now in its 42nd year, champions creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, drawing talent from across the globe.
The young team, comprised of talented 4th and 5th graders, showcased their ingenuity in Problem 5: Astronomical Odyssey, Division 1. Competing against a formidable field of 61 other state and country champion teams, including international participants from China, Poland, France, Germany, North Korea, and the Netherlands, the MLK champions rose to the occasion, earning a standing recognition and a permanent spot on the OOTM World Championship leaderboard—an honor reserved for only the top six teams in every category.
Their groundbreaking solution to the “Astronomical Odyssey” problem captivated judges and audiences alike. The team envisioned a whimsical civilization of ants thriving in a McDonald’s parking lot, a clever and humorous approach that underscored their boundless creativity and collaborative spirit. This extraordinary achievement is a testament to months of dedicated hard work, innovative thinking, and seamless teamwork.
The MLK Elementary team members who brought this vision to life are:
- Myra Masand (5th grade)
- Darshika Singhal (4th grade)
- Saanvi Sahane (4th Grade)
- Tapasya Mishra (5th Grade)
- Ishika Shewani (4th Grade)
- Junaina Khan (4th grade)
- Anika Jain (4th Grade)
Guiding these young innovators were their dedicated coaches: Mrs. Kim-Kai Cheng Poon a teacher at Martin Luther King Elementary, and parent coach Shaileja Pamnani. Their mentorship and support were instrumental in nurturing the students’ talents and preparing them for this global stage.
This remarkable accomplishment not only highlights the exceptional creativity and talent blossoming within Edison’s local schools but also serves as an inspiring beacon for other young innovators in the community. The MLK Elementary team’s journey to the top six at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through imagination, dedication, and collaborative effort.
