The third OCAY League competition of the 2024-2025 school year, titled “Our Sensational Senses,” challenged students to dive deep into the body’s five senses through a series of unique and engaging tasks.
Teams represented each of the nine school districts in the county, comprised of students who were hand-selected by their coaches based on the following criteria: knowledge of basic technology skills, music (instruments), creativity and design, teamwork, public speaking, memorization, listening and time management skills.
Teams spent the day at Cayuga Community College in Fulton, where they rotated through a variety of tasks designed to test both knowledge and creativity. Challenges included researching a sensory disorder and delivering an oral presentation with a supporting Google Slides project, building a multi-sensory model or prototype, completing sensory quizzes and even painting portraits while blindfolded.
After a day of competition and hands-on learning, Fulton earned first place honors, followed by Oswego in second place and Mexico finishing strong in third place.
"Our students were absolutely thrilled to earn first place at last month’s OCAY League competition and I am beyond proud of them," said Katie Sard, Fulton's team coach. "After consistently placing fourth in several past events, this victory was especially meaningful. It brings me great joy to see them enjoying the experience and engaging with their peers in such a unique and challenging setting. What they’re able to accomplish in such a short amount of time is always impressive."
OCAY League, short for Oswego County Academic Youth League, provides an opportunity for students from across the county to engage in academic and creative competitions throughout the school year. Each of the league’s four annual events centers around a unique theme, encouraging students to think critically, work collaboratively and showcase their skills in a variety of disciplines.
First place winners from Team Fulton: Atlas Dix, Maddie Weldin, Lauren Bradshaw, Adelaide McEachen, Santina Cunningham, Audrey White, Zee Valenzuela, Matthew Becker, Henry Jerred and Andrew Becker
Second place winner from Team Oswego: comprised of Miles Bandla, Amanda Connelly, Janessa Coronado, Alaina DiBlasi, Audrey Donovan, Margaret Jerred, Maggie O'Leary, Brooklyn Saternow, Ainsely Wallace and Kevin Waters.
Third place winners from Team Mexico: Olivia DeStevens, Rachel Gagnier, Jessica Hill, Sarah Marsden, Josie Metcalf, Karlie Miller, Angelina Nguyen-Truong, Jenna Ricker, Madalynn Tunis and Avery Willis.
