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An Odyssey of the Mind team from Onalaska that has been working together since the members were in second grade qualified for the world competition for the first time.

The team — which includes Emma Killoran, Emma Lofald, Emily Mitzelfeldt, Taylor Hoeft and Moira Killoran — won first place in their division at the state competition held last weekend.

Two teams from Onalaska Middle School also participated at the state competition but did not qualify for the next level.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem-solving competition. A synopsis for each problem can be found at www.odysseyofthemind.com.

The “long-term problem” the OHS team chose to solve requires teams to create and present a humorous performance about three eccentric characters that demonstrate odd behavior, peculiar mannerisms and unconventional dress. The performance had to include a team-created “problem” within, or involving, an Earth system — the atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, geosphere, or hydrosphere.

The characters, which seem to be misfits, have to solve the problem, and, as a reward, a celebration is held in their honor and they end up launching a new fad.

This problem, one of five offered, was called “Eccentrics,” and is sponsored by NASA.

Besides presenting their solution to the long-term problem, the group also was given a short-term problem that required some spontaneous problem solving and quick creative thinking.

In addition to winning first place honors, the group, which is coached by Carol Mitzelfeldt, was also recognized with an OMer Award, which is given at the discretion of the judges for individuals or teams who demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship, exemplary behavior or exceptional talent.

The judges described the OHS group’s solution like this: “Exceptional lyric and music composition. Great choreography of dances. Performance was very entertaining and original.”

This group will compete in the World Finals in Maryland, June 1-4. There they will compete with teams from around the world, with at least 20 countries be represented.