Carroll ISD Odyssey of the Mind Teams Earn Top Finishes at World Finals

Carroll ISD students once again demonstrated that creativity, innovation, and teamwork can compete on a global stage, earning impressive results at the 2026 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals held in May at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.

More than 700 teams from across the United States and around the world gathered to compete in one of the world's premier creative problem-solving competitions. Teams of up to seven students spent months developing solutions to complex challenges in engineering, performance, classics, structure, and vehicle design, while also testing their critical thinking skills through spontaneous problem-solving events.

Carroll ISD's journey to the international competition began with 20 teams competing at the North Texas Regional Tournament. Thirteen teams advanced to the Texas State Finals, and seven teams ultimately earned the opportunity to represent Dragon Nation at the World Finals.

The District's 48 student competitors delivered outstanding performances against some of the most talented young problem-solvers in the world.

Leading the way was the Eubanks Intermediate School team competing in Problem 1: Off the Rails (Vehicular), Division II, which earned 2nd Place in the World among 56 competing teams. The team, which includes students Kayden, Juliet, Declan, Hunter, Sofia, Sydney, and Varen, was coached by Brittany Shidham, with co-coaches Ann Lutterbach and David Burr.

The Rockenbaugh Elementary School team, which includes students JD, Vaikha, Leonie, Oliver, Anika, Ariv, and Sanchi, also secured a top-five finish, earning 5th Place in the World in Problem 3: The Epic Quest (Classics), Division I, against 63 teams. The team was coached by Cynthia Beam, with co-coaches Sapna Sudhir and Ruma Malhotra.

Carroll Senior High School students Jasmine, Sophia, Sarina, Praneel, Riley, Sarah, and Abigail earned 14th Place in Problem 3: The Epic Quest (Classics), Division III, competing against 45 teams from around the world. The team was coached by Ajanta Sen.

Another Eubanks Intermediate School team, consisting of students Matthew, Amelia, Franklin, Allison, Jackson, Sanat, and Lissie, earned 16th Place in Problem 4: Life's a Ball! (Structural), Division II. The team was coached by Shauna Kromminga.

The Durham Intermediate School team, which included Sophia, Avery, Mehan, Zara, Aneesh Sai, Shreyan, and Manasvi, earned 17th Place in Problem 5: Taller Tales of John Jivery (Performance), Division I. The team was coached by Elena Mackoway.

Carroll High School students Akhil, Thierry, Aryan, Mannat, and Dishita earned 28th Place in Problem 4: Life's a Ball! (Structural), Division III. The team was coached by Chris Ellerman.

Rounding out Carroll ISD's World Finals competitors was a Carroll Senior High School team consisting of Sonia, Alisha, Reeva, Nikitha, Isabella, Hannah, and Kaavya, which earned 29th Place in Problem 4: Life's a Ball! (Structural), Division III. The team was coached by Saroja Mummini.

These accomplishments reflect months of preparation, creativity, collaboration, and perseverance by students and coaches alike. Competing at the World Finals requires students to apply engineering principles, storytelling, design thinking, and teamwork while solving complex challenges under strict competition guidelines.

The success of Carroll ISD's Odyssey of the Mind program continues to highlight the District's commitment to fostering innovation, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving skills. From elementary through high school, Dragons are proving that learning extends far beyond the classroom and that their talents can compete with the very best in the world.

Carroll ISD congratulates all participating students, coaches, and families for their remarkable achievements and for representing Dragon Nation with excellence on the international stage.

Note: this story incorrectly omitted an important team member, Akhil, from the CHS team roster.