[Warren, NJ; June 11, 2012] Two graduates of LearningRx Warren, a local brain training company, used their expanded cognitive abilities to help them garner an impressive 12^th place finish in the international Odyssey of the Mind World Competition. Watchung resident Charlie Besjak and Basking Ridge resident Evan Aiello were part of a seven-person team, sponsored by LearningRx Warren, representing the Little Way Homeschool Cooperative. The team won both the regional and state competitions in New Jersey earlier in the year and traveled to Iowa State University for the world competition in late May.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college in a variety of problem synopses ranging  from building mechanical devices to creative interpretations of literary classics.

Among the brain bending competitions, the seven member middle-school team participated in the “Ooh-Motional Vehicle Division II” challenge. For this project, the team was required to design, build and drive a vehicle that travels a course where it encounters three different situations corresponding to three different emotions. One of the three emotions encountered causeds the vehicle to go in reverse.

All of this had to be presented in an eight minute skit highlighting creativity and technical risk-taking to a panel of eight judges. The project required the use of many important brain skills such as logic and reasoning, visual processing, memory, focus and attention—all skills that Charlie and Evan strengthened while students at LearningRx Warren. The team competed against teams from 16 countries and 40 U.S. states and placed 12^th out of 56 teams in their division.

“We couldn’t be more proud of Charlie and Evan, and all of their teammates from the Little Way Homeschool Coop,” said Marcia Douglas, Owner and Executive Director of LearningRx Warren. “We were delighted to be able to sponsor this wonderful team of young men. The hard work and dedication they showed, not just in Iowa, but in the many months of preparation leading up to that competition, is an inspiration. It was especially fun to see Charlie and Evan apply their fantastic brain skills in solving the rigorous challenges in the competition.”

About LearningRx

LearningRx specializes in identifying and correcting the underlying cognitive skill deficiencies that keep people from achieving their full potential in school, business or life. Using a comprehensive cognitive skills assessment test and intensive one-on-one training, certified brain trainers quickly and effectively enhance weak cognitive skills such as attention, memory, processing speed and problem solving.

At LearningRx Warren, we have successfully worked with students from ages 4-74 struggling with dyslexia, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, memory loss and other learning struggles.  We also work with people of all ages seeking an edge at school or work. Students benefit from improved confidence, self-esteem and overall achievement. LearningRx is not a tutoring program. Our clinically proven, research based programs actually “re-wire” the brain.

To learn more about LearningRx, call (908) 22-BRAIN (908-222-7246), stop in the center at 34 Mountain Boulevard, Bldg. C in Warren, or visit www.learningrx.com/warren.

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