We are thrilled to honor Lisa, an Odyssey of the Mind volunteer who has been a part of Odyssey of the Mind for over 40 years.

Lisa began her Odyssey journey in Ohio. She was so committed to the program that when she moved to the Bay Area, she used her experience to bring Odyssey to our NorCal students.

Lisa was instrumental in introducing Odyssey to Brentwood by starting the program at Edna Hill Middle School. In fact, Edna Hill has been participating in Odyssey for so long that its membership number is 602! That’s like having a bank account number that’s under six digits!

Over the past 20 years, she broadened the program in the East Bay, turning the Brentwood/Oakley/Discovery Bay area from an afterthought into its own region. Now that the NorCal Association no longer uses the regional model, Brentwood area schools are still a big part of the program, with Edna Hill hosting one of our 2024 Qualifying Tournaments.

Lisa worked hard to ensure that all students, not just GATE students, were able to participate. She wanted everyone to have a chance to prosper in Odyssey of the Mind. She worked diligently for all and was instrumental in bringing Spont Days to the area.

Lisa has said of Odyssey of the Mind, “This program taps into the creative side of kids, those who enjoy thinking outside the box. To me, it’s not whether or not the students win. I always tell them that they are a winner if they make it from start to finish. That’s what it’s really all about.”

And what has Lisa not done for Odyssey? She has been a coach, a judge, an Assistant PC, a Secretary for SF Bay, a Spontaneous PC and a Regional Director.  She has been a superstar at getting donations, working with Sal from Straw Hat Pizza to secure their participation in tournaments, getting donations from Starbucks and even securing judges’ food from Safeway. 

She did this all without looking for accolades and fanfare that sometimes accompanies the different titles. 

California North Odyssey of the Mind created the Janis Dewar Distinguished Service Award to recognize adult volunteers who have demonstrated exemplary selfless dedication to the program, creative problem-solving skills, outside-the-box thinking and a desire to share their experiences with others.

Interested in volunteering for Odyssey of the Mind? Contact our Volunteer Director!