Eumundi Voice - Issue 102, 19 September 2024

YOUTH

Opti-MINDS

On 24 August the Pomona Campus of Noosa District State High School (NDSHS) proudly hosted this year’s Sunshine Coast Regional OptiMINDS creative sustainability challenge.

Schools from Gympie to Caloundra converged to present their meticulously prepared challenges developed over 6 weeks. These challenges spanned various divisions, including Language Literature, Social Sciences, Science and Engineering. The event also featured a spontaneous challenge, where students were given 10 minutes to creatively respond to a stimulus, adding an extra layer of excitement and ingenuity to the day.

This year’s event was particularly significant for NDSHS, marking 23 years of their involvement with Opti-MINDS. The campus buzzed with energy as hundreds of students and parents gathered on the Junior Secondary Campus.

NDSHS were successful in taking out three awards in the Language Literature division. The Yr7 team triumphed, securing a spot in the state finals in Brisbane, while the Yr8 team earned an honours award and the prestigious Spirit of Opti-MINDS Award.

Regional Directors Callum Gordon and Alex Watson reflected on the day’s success, noting, "It is so special to have so many schools experiencing our unique Junior Secondary Campus, even more so seeing the magic of students achieving results, having fun, and thinking creatively and sustainably. Hosting and participating in OptiMINDS exemplifies how NDSHS continues to connect with the community and empower its students to excel.”