The 30th World Finals began with a touching Opening Ceremony and the spirit of camaraderie and friendship continued for the following three days of competition, fun, and exploration. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of World Finals, Dr. Sam shared some special memories of past competitions. He started by saying, "I feel like a proud grandparent talking to my grandchildren." Dr. Sam's own grandchildren joined him on stage for helping to create one of this year's problems, making it the first time that three generations of the founding Micklus family took the stage at World Finals. There were many more memorable moments throughout the 30th World Finals held at Iowa State University in Ames.

Odyssey's generous volunteers showed up in full force this year, with an astounding 450- member team to keep World Finals running. There were 34 U.S. states represented along with 13 other countries including: Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, China, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Cuba, Germany, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea and Department of Defense Schools -- 787 teams in total!

Out of all of the varying associations represented this year New York and Pennsylvania had the most championship teams with three each. Georgia, Singapore, and Virginia had the second most with two. Connecticut, Florida, Korea, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Vermont all had one championship team. Regardless of the number of trophies received, everyone that traveled to Iowa and presented their solution was a winner.

Aside from the teams and volunteers, there is another important part of World Finals -- NASA. For the 9th time NASA representatives were in attendance to entertain and inform audiences at Opening Ceremonies and throughout the competition with E-theater presentations and fun activities and hand-outs at the Creativity Festival.

The energy-filled awards ceremony left everyone ready to undertake a new year in hopes of having another great World Finals experience. Not only was it a celebration of the past 30 years of creative problems-solving, but it showed the promise of a bright future for all. Dr. Sam's advice to this year's graduates applies to everyone involved with Odyssey of the Mind, "Keep in mind who you are, you are not just another person. You are the best. Set your goals high. Be all you can be and you can't miss."