2026 OMER’s Awards
OMER’s Award recognizes those individuals, coaches, team members, parents, officials and others who, during a tournament, serve as exemplary examples or role models through their actions or words. This award is also bestowed on team members who exhibit exceptional skill and talents.
Problem 2: Lost In OMERLand
Division III
Irondequoit High School
Rochester, NY 5537 (Team)
Before competition these team members decided to spend a few hours decorating clothes pins with encouraging, sweet, or humorous sayings to randomly attach to other OOTM participants that they did not know. By “clipping” strangers, they hoped to spread good cheer and positive energy at World Finals. In addition, even though they were not picked to have an international buddy team, they still chose to bring small gift bags filled with NY key chains, Kodak Pins (from Rochester, NY), and other fun snacks from the US to share with an international team they came across. We are so proud of them for thinking ahead of ways to spread kindness, welcome, and joy to people they have never met.
Problem 3: Classics… The Epic Quest
Division I
All of them
All teams in Problem 3 division 1
Normally, recipients would come forward to receive this recognition. However, because this honor belongs to multiple outstanding teams, we ask that the recipients please stand to be recognized. Throughout the tournament, the Problem 3: Th e Epic Quest Division 1 site faced unexpected technical challenges during performances. At times, the lights would suddenly go out — sometimes once, sometimes not at all, and in some performances as many as four to six times. Despite the uncertainty of the interruptions, every team handled the situation with remarkable positivity, patience, and composure. Rather than allowing the circumstances to derail their performances, these teams adapted quickly, supported one another, and continued with smiles, determination, and true Odyssey spirit. Their resilience, teamwork, and outstanding attitudes exemplified the very best of Odyssey of the Mind.
Problem 4: Life’s a Ball Division III
Delaware Valley High School
Milford Pennsylvania USA
Delaware Valley High School
Just one practice before departing for World Finals, this team faced an extraordinary challenge when a key teammate, Beau, suffered a serious injury aft er being caught in a crowd that stormed the field at a baseball game, resulting in a punctured kidney. Unable to attend, Beau left a pivotal role in the team’s skit suddenly vacant, giving them only one day to make major changes. Despite the setback, the team rallied together. They honored Beau throughout their journey and performance, finding meaningful ways to include him even in his absence. Their resilience, teamwork, and determination were on full display as they delivered an outstanding performance on the World Finals stage. For overcoming adversity with remarkable perseverance and heart, this team is truly deserving of this award.
Officials
Problem 5: Taller Tales of John
Jivery Division I
Timekeeper Duo Judging Team
The OMer’s Award recognizes outstanding sportsmanship, exemplary behavior, *or* exceptional talent. It is rare that we have the opportunity to nominate a team for all of these, but here we are. This pair has worked together for years, contributing in countless ways within and outside of their home region. For World Finals, assigned together as timekeepers/announcers for Problem 5, Division 1, they came as their alter egos Queen Libraria and Lady Barnes of Noble. They were exemplary in their behavior, maintaining not only their own positive and supportive energy for each team but also keeping the audience engaged, warm, and excited for the next team’s performance. Despite being in the far corner of the campus – teams, parents, and officials from around the world came to see “Queen Libraria and the ditzy one”. As they introduced each team, they encouraged both creative performances and a spirit of discovery, inspiring the audience to learn more through books and other avenues of exploration. Th e judges from all of Problem 5 are proud to nominate the timekeeper/announcer team of Risa (Queen Libraria) and Jenny (Lady Barnes of Noble) from P5D1 for the Outstanding OMer’s Award.