Imagination and creativity helped five teams advance from regional competition at the annual Destination Imagination problem solving competition to states at Central Michigan University on April 19.
The team of third and fourth graders, Gretchen Altenberger, Serena Bianchi, Christina Boydston, Aubrie Mathis-Sweeney, Rachel Warstler, Taylor Warstler and Lyndsey Welper took first place in their division, in which teams created a theatrical performance about a secret with a masquerade character whose true identity is revealed. Team Managers Jeri Altenberger and Cora Sweeney oversee the team.
Third graders Mary Riss, Joy Fullerton, Katie Spengler, Payge Lindow, Nick Marini and Jacob Bellner took home fourth place with their balsa wood structure. Their team manager is Beckie Riss.
A fourth grade team of Erin Bero, Ricky Johnson, Josh Bruder, Emily Whiteside and Elizabeth Kozyra, coached by Managers Andy and Gail Kozyra, took fourth place with a story about a myth, which they investigated.
Sixth graders Austin Krysmalski, Megan Ward, Alaina Richter, Nicole Cox, Gabe Wrobel and Julia Grenier took first place in their division with an improvisational performance about a chore. Their team is managed by Tom and Nancy Wrobel, with Karen Thornton assisting.
The eighth grade team of Katie Powers, Courtney Cox, Lyndsey Hurford, Andy Kozyra, Alex Fontana, Keegan Collins and Taylor Hargraves took second place in their division with their design of a vehicle which overcame a series of designated obstacles. This team, coached by John and Marie Powers, has been one of the school’s most successful with three prior wins at the state level.
Six teams from St. Joseph Elementary School competed in the regional competition, and a third grade team of Nicholas Durham, Lauren Miller, Zach Erwin, Andrew Shinavier, Brittany Farrar and McKenna Carron were recognized for their efforts. Their team, coached by Terri Durham and Michelle Miller, created a story about a secret on a farm.
Destination Imagination is the world’s largest program devoted to teaching creative problem solving. Teams of five to seven members work together to apply creativity, critical thinking and their particular talents to solve a Team Challenge, which is solved over a period of eight weeks or more.
There are five competitive Team Challenges from which teams may choose, and each one has its own educational focus.