For the first time ever, a team from Humble ISD has qualified to advance to Global Finals in Destination Imagination.
The Centennial Elementary team – the DIno-mites – consisted of Aditya Chudasama-Moreno and Mason Garcia (fifth graders), Esther Nwachukwu, Hazel Canseco, and Jaylyn Cole (fourth graders), and Adi Gerda and Aiden McKee (third graders).
Guided by team manager Heathir Fosher, the Dino-mites secured their Global Finals spot by winning first place and earning the High Instant Challenge (IC) score in the scientific category, Blast from the Past, at Lone Star Finals in Arlington on April 13, 2024.
A team from Oaks Elementary was able to compete at Global Finals last year by joining the waitlist. According to their team manager Christina Michie, it was an incredible opportunity, and the team made lasting memories. Centennial Elementary’s DIno-mites are the first Humble ISD to qualify for advancement to Globals by winning at their state tournament, the Lone Star Finals.
For this challenge, students were tasked with presenting a story about a character who discovers an artifact, conducting an archaeological investigation to uncover a finding that alters history, creating a puppet representing a character from the past using technical methods, and designing two team choice elements that highlight their unique interests and talents. The Humble ISD team's project impressed appraisers with its ingenuity and execution. Their ability to think outside the box and collaborate effectively led them to victory in the scientific category, a testament to their hard work and dedication.
After earning first place and the Renaissance Award at the North Harris DI regional tournament in February, the DIno-mites refined their project for Lone Star Finals, where they were joined by three other Humble ISD teams: the Create-mates from Centennial Elementary, the Soaring Owls from Oaks Elementary, and the WMS Lions from Woodcreek Middle.
The DIno-mites will now advance to the Global Finals, competing with approximately 600 teams from around the world. The Global Finals, scheduled for May 22-25 in Kansas City, MO, will provide an opportunity for the team to showcase their talents and skills on an international level.
Destination Imagination is a global educational nonprofit organization that nurtures creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in students through challenging and innovative competitions. Each year, teams from around the world compete in various challenges that require them to think critically and creatively to solve complex problems.
For more information about Destination Imagination and Global Finals, please visit the DI Website.