Northampton Odyssey of Minds teams take 1st and 3rd at weekend tournament

The 1st place NHS team (Pictured Left to Right): Anna Temich (kneeling, 9th), Garrett Fisher, kneeling, 9th), Raul Rodriguez (10th), Candy Castaneda Cova (9th), Billy Pike (kneeling, 9th), Yahzara Gholson (12th), Coach Brad Ford (Not Pictured: Elsie Irminger).

Two teams from Northampton High School competed with distinction at the 2025 Virginia State Odyssey of the Mind Tournament, held this past weekend at Menchville High School in Newport News. The tournament drew over 50 teams from across seven regions of Virginia, all vying for the chance to represent the state at the 2025 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals in Michigan this May.

Northampton’s team competing in Problem 5, titled “AstrOMnomical Odyssey,” delivered a creative performance set in a futuristic society that must travel back in time to understand the significance of a worshiped constellation. The team earned third place overall, capping a highly successful season. For several seniors on the team, this achievement marks a fourth consecutive year of top-three finishes at the state level.

Meanwhile, Northampton’s second team, composed mainly of ninth-grade students, along with one tenth grader and one senior, competed in Problem 3: “Classics: Cooking with Books.” They were tasked with creating a skit based on Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, centered around a gourmet meal and dinner party. This team captured the state championship in their division, marking the third straight year a Northampton High School team has earned a state title. They now advance to the World Finals, where they will compete against teams from across the United States and more than 24 other countries.

Northampton County Public Schools expressed appreciation for the strong community support from the Northampton County Education Foundation and other local partners. Officials noted that fundraising efforts are underway to support the team’s upcoming trip to the World Finals.

Those interested in contributing to the team’s travel expenses are encouraged to contact Mr. Brad Ford at bford@ncpsk12.com or reach out to the Northampton County Education Foundation.