The Awards

OMER's Award

Ranatra Fusca

Ranatra Fusca is the term for a classification of water insects. Although this may seem like a remote association to creative thinking, it is not as far off as it sounds. When our founder, Dr. Sam Micklus gave his college students an assignment to create a flotation device to transport themselves across a pond, one student designed a water strider-like contraption. This contraption did not solve the problem because of its inability to maintain proper balance. Even though the first attempt at the device did not work properly, the idea was exceptionally creative.

The Ranatra Fusca Creativity Award represents the essence of the Odyssey of the Mind program. It is presented to teams OR individuals who exhibit exceptional creativity either in some aspect of the problem solution, their behavior, or through an extraordinary idea beyond the problem solution.

A successful solution to the problem is not a criterion for winning the award; rather, the award is a way to acknowledge and encourage creative thinking and risk taking. Many Omers and coaches regard the Ranatra Fusca Creativity Award as being equal to, or more prestigious then winning a first place trophy.

This is why a team that is willing to take a risk or be exceptionally creative, and is awarded the Ranatra Fusca Creativity Award at the State Competition will also win the right to advance to World Competition along with the winners.

State Tournament
Award Winners

This team showed exceptional creativity in the use of recycled materials. They were a pure pleasure to watch; exhibiting creativity and style beyond their division level. Every detail of their set and costumes was covered under the category of "recycled materials." From the shark costume of aluminum can tabs and numerous types of "cards" to the pirate ship, a paper mache masterpiece, this team excelled.

The pirate flag incorporated creative use of ironed plastic bags and egg shells! Every costume included incredible detail; every prop amazing! The mermaid and turtle were "laundry room" themed and included everything you'd find in a laundry room trash can...dryer sheets, lint, even a lost sock. It is clear that this team enjoys working together and has STYLE!

The intricate design and craftsmanship of the ostrich and the use of a guitar as a remote control was an outstanding concept. It was wired to an almost professional degree. It showed great concept of electrical engineering and all team members were knowledgeable about the construction and workings of the animal creature.

During a time of dire need, this team stepped forward and offered their help without question. Without their battery, our problem solution could not have been completed. We appreciate their generosity more than they could ever know.

The nomination from the judges read: "this Division III Wonderful Muses team amazed their entire long term and style judging teams. Using a human form as a backdrop to their performance, the team delivered a product that was intricately creative, entertaining and effective. The contrast between their absence of a constructed set and the extremely detailed creativity of the costumes gave pause to judges who thought they'd seen everything. This team's blend of design, detail and fluency epitomized the creative spirit of Odyssey of the Mind.

The judging team's nomination read: This team demonstrated exceptional creativity in their method for placing weights on their structure. In particular, Noah Simmons is recognized for creating and perfecting an electro-magnet to be used for lowering weights onto the structure. Noah was "wired" for weight placement. When the weight was on the stack, he hit a release button that turned off the electro-magnet. The entire team feels that he achieved his goal of making weight placement "mechanical." The team took a risk and they certainly were "thinking outside of the box." We heartily commend the team and Noah for their ingenuity.

OMER's Award

OMER's award is given to individuals who exemplify the spirit and philosophy of Odyssey of the Mind or to teams or team members whom are deemed to be exceptionally talented, although not outstandingly creative, or whom best exemplify good sportsmanship and teamwork.

It can be given to coaches, team members, parents, officials, or others who serve as positive examples or role models by their actions and words or to team members who exhibit exceptional skill, as opposed to creativity.