Florida recieves the Max Mansfield award this year with a 10% increase from last year. The association should also be commended for its continual growth over the past few years, with a 30% increase since 2006 and 89 brandnew schools participating in Odyssey of the Mind.

Kathy Wilhelm, AD, is thankful for the hard work of her Regional Directors that continually give awareness sessions throughout the state. She believes that it is because of the dramatic increase of these sessions that the program continually grows.

"Once people get all the facts about Odyssey, the program sells itself," she said.

Aside from successfully expanding Odyssey of the Mind, Florida has another reason to celebrate -- this year marks the 25th anniversary of its first State Finals tournament.

Kathy believes everyone on the state and regional boards, as well as the rest of Odyssey volunteers, work hard because they believe in the many benefits of creative problem-solving education.

"Odyssey is such a great experience for everyone. We think it's important to give as many kids the opportunity to participate as possible."