Moama Anglican Grammar students at Tournament of the Minds

Cara has participated in the annual challenge for a number of years.

“I’ve been doing it since Year 4. Which is the youngest you can do it, and this will be my final year,” Cara said.

“We just completed the Riverina round in Wagga Wagga. It’s a competition including problem-solving, and we’re competing in the Arts Division. The schools only made it to Sydney four times before.

“We are currently against schools at an Australian level. This is just for the national competition to represent NSW.”

Year 8 student Boyd said it was a great honour to represent the school at an elite level.

“I’ve had a lot of fun taking part in these competitions. I’m enthusiastic to participate in the Sydney tournament,” he said.

“The students are coming from every state in Australia, and there’s going to be an extensive range of people there with a lot of people participating. It will be a lot of fun meeting all those new people.

“I’ve made many friends with some people in earlier years. I’ve had a lot of fun cooperating with them, and we have a lot of fun. We banter. I even talk to them outside of ToM.”

While the event is competitive, the tournament provides a basis for solid and lasting friendships.

“I’ve made some great connections,” Boyd said.

Hirunya, who is in Year 10, spoke of her experiences being part of the challenge.

“It was great meeting new people with similar interests, and we had the amazing opportunity of experiencing the performance of a winning team,” she said.

Hirunya enjoyed the sights of what Sydney had to offer while meeting fellow competitors.

“We also saw countless other performances, which gave us many tips on improving, and we enjoyed the challenge’s many interpretations. Rooming with other NSW region teams was fun, and we made new friends,” she said.

“The night walks to the Opera House and gelato were a highlight of this trip, and thank you to all the organisers and teachers, especially Ms Douglas, for making this happen.”