Wayne R. Kehrli was involved with Odyssey of the Mind for 35 years.  During that time, he volunteered in many aspects of Odyssey of the Mind; serving as a coach, judge, and ultimately as the International Problem Captain for Problem #1, a position he held for 25 years until his retirement in 2014 due to illness.  He was honored with the Odyssey of the Mind Spirit Award in 2007.  Wayne loved creative thought and beyond-the-box thinking.  He believed creativity was everywhere; in every Odyssey of the Mind problem, every vocation, and everyday life. He loved watching kids grow and change through their Odyssey experience. 

 

The Kehrli family honors Wayne by continuing what he dedicated much of his life to - encouraging creativity, education, and creativity in education.  This $1,111 scholarship will be awarded to a current Division IV team member who displays the passion, creativity, and growth Wayne so greatly encouraged and admired.  

 

His creative and kind spirit will live on through The Wayne R. Kehrli Memorial Scholarship.

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One recipient will be selected to receive  THE WAYNE R. KEHRLI SCHOLARSHIP of $1111.00 each year.  The funds will be issued directly to the educational institution that the winner attends.

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Applications will be accepted through World Finals, with a submission deadline of 8:00 PM CDT on Friday of World Finals (May 29, 2026). The scholarship recipient will be announced at the World Finals Awards Ceremony.