ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, April 1, 1996 TAG: 9604040025
SECTION: NEWSFUN PAGE: NF-3 EDITION: METRO
Most participants and coaches in the Odyssey of the Mind program called it a season after the recent regional competition. The few winners who are going on to higher-level competition are still at it. So is Pat Hammond.
Hammond, a seventh-grade science teacher at Botetourt Intermediate School, works year-round with Odyssey of the Mind. She is a state judge and member of the program's regional board. Although her job is time-consuming, Hammond is a strong advocate of the competition that rewards students for academic prowess and problem-solving abilities.
"OM really brings out their creativity - creativity they sometimes don't even know they have," Hammond said. "The problem-solving skills [are something] they can use for the rest of their lives."
Hammond, who teaches science, calls herself a "people person.
"I love people of all ages," she said. "I love to impart knowledge, but that's not all being a teacher is about. I like working with the children on their little problems."
"Ms. Hammond is very kind, caring and an understanding person," said her nominator. "She's very helpful to all her students."
Hammond also is coach of BI's cheerleading squad and serves as volunteer coordinator at the school.
Hammond, a Roanoke College graduate, has a son and two grandchildren. She enjoys gardening, hiking and swimming. Her late husband, also Pat Hammond, was an educator too.
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Patricia "Pat" Hammond\Seventh grade, Botetourtby CNBIntermediate School