Solanco High School's Odyssey of the Mind team took the World Finals by storm.

The team's presentation, featuring an ibis persevering through a tropical depression, earned Solanco a ninth-place finish out of 29 teams and the fourth-best score in the style category.

Schools from around the United States and from France, Germany, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Mexico, South Korea, Switzerland, and Japan took part in the event, which was held May 21 to 25 at Michigan State University.

The Solanco squad was composed of senior Lexi Groff; juniors Isaac Esh, Brooke Hiatt, and Kira Roark (who was unable to attend the World Finals because of a commitment to the Mules' softball team); sophomores Rhiannon Groff and Mackenzie Landis; and freshman Kieran Groff. 

"They did really well," coach Caley Roark said. "(The World Finals) was probably, of the three times they performed, the best performance in all of the areas: style, artistry, long-term problem, and the spontaneous portion of the competition. Their performance got better each time."

With the theme "OM-azing Race," the prompt instructed teams to design, build, and operate an all-terrain vehicle that transports riders on a race for a prize.

"In a vehicle problem, where you're dependent on the vehicle to work, there's a chance something could go wrong," said Caley. "But our vehicle was very consistent. Their acting, the props, and the setting all got better each time."

Kieran and Isaac constructed the vehicle, which was powered by a leaf blower. "It was just a bunch of trial and error," said Isaac. "Originally, we were trying to make a hovercraft. We did so many prototypes, but it just could not hold a person."

This was Isaac's first year with the OM team. "I was looking for a fun class," he said. "I'm thinking about doing engineering (as a career), and this a good way to test those skills."

Kieran had fun being on a team with his sisters, Lexi and Rhiannon. "It was amazing," he said. "I didn't have super-high expectations going into it. I was just excited to be able to take part in it because I've seen my sisters doing it, and they were having fun. I just really enjoyed my time."

Rhiannon said having two siblings on the squad made for an interesting dynamic. "It was really fun, but sometimes it was a little extra stressful because since we live together, we could take out our anger on each other," she said with a laugh. "I think we did it well, and it was fun. Especially since Lexi is graduating this year, it was really nice to have this (experience) with her and go to worlds as a group."

Lexi, who earned the East Central PA Odyssey of the Mind scholarship, also cherished the chance to compete with her siblings. "It's really nice because I've never been on a team where I can go home and discuss ideas and talk things out," she said. "A lot of times, we're on the same wavelength. Sometimes that's not as helpful because then it's harder to communicate with the rest of the team."

Last year's absence from the World Finals after making it as a freshman and sophomore made her heart grow fonder. "(Making it to the World Finals) was awesome," said Lexi. "I was really, really hoping we would go back, and that's why we worked so hard. It had been such a great experience my first two years, and I would've been disappointed if I didn't go back my senior year."

Mackenzie is thankful she joined Odyssey of the Mind. "I have multiple friends on the team, and I was hearing them talk about it," she said. "My sister did OM when she was in middle school, so I've always known about OM, and I decided to do it this year."

Mackenzie added, "It was pretty nerve-wracking at first. I got one of the main roles. I was the pelican/ibis. I remember the regional tournament, and I was pretty nervous because I hadn't done anything like that before. It was a cool experience to learn how to get in that state of mind and be creative."

Solanco began competing in Odyssey of the Mind in 2010. In that time, Solanco has fielded 29 teams with 18 of those teams reaching the state finals. The 2025 vehicle team was the fifth to reach the World Finals (2014, 2021, 2022, and 2023). Each of the teams reaching the World Finals finished in 11th place or above.  

"It's really difficult to get to worlds," Caley said. "I think the goal every year is to get to worlds. When I started, getting to states was amazing. We thought if we got to states, that was good. Now, I think kids come in and think we have a shot of getting to worlds."

While at the World Finals, the Solanco participants befriended teams from Oklahoma, New York, and Poland. On the way to and from Michigan State University, the team enjoyed Korean barbecue and an Akron RubberDucks baseball game and got trapped in an escape room.

"I loved the escape room, even though we overthought everything," said Brooke. "My favorite meal was eating at Swensons (a famous regional drive-in chain)."

Solanco's World Finals performance can be viewed at https://tinyurl.com/SolancoOMworldfinals.