CHERRY HILL, N.J., June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Destination Imagination celebrated its 30th Anniversary in style at Global Finals 2013, the world's largest celebration of creativity for students in grades Kindergarten through University. Nearly 1,250 teams strove for a top placement and more than 16,500 attendees participated in hands-on activities at the University of Tennessee from May 22-25.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120510/DC05048LOGO)
During the four-day tournament, teams presented their regional challenge project and participated in open-ended instant challenges across six categories that incorporated STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), the arts and service learning. The top 27 teams across all age groups from China, Poland, Canada, and 12 U.S. states took home their respective first place trophy. For a full list of winners, please see the appendix* or visit: http://www.globalfinals.org/info/results.
"I'm continually amazed by the imaginative and innovative solutions to our Challenges that students demonstrate at Global Finals," said Dr. Chuck Cadle, Chief Executive Officer of Destination Imagination, Inc. "The 2013 participants truly exemplified the DI mission through their creativity, risk taking and teamwork, and ultimately discovered that learning can be fun."
Throughout the week, kids had a chance to let loose and have fun in the following activities:
- 3M Duct Tape Costume Ball - Students showcased their handmade duct tape costumes while enjoying live music.
- 3M Duct Tape Playground - All week, kids created interesting crafts with 3M's newest patterned duct tape and took part in creating three Tape-by-Number wall-sized murals.
- 3M Explore the Uncharted - Teams raced through a simulated underwater adventure as they uncovered clues, discovered marine life and hunted for hidden treasures while working together to solve the real-life issue of trash and plastic pollution in our oceans and on our beaches.
- 3M Passport Party - Students had their passports stamped at nine countries before sampling native foods from around the globe.
- AVA Reset Council - Students had the opportunity to govern the fictitious city of Reset while interacting with community leaders to solve an environmental issue. To see some of the projects visit http://theresetcouncil.com/blog.
- Graduation - For all the high school and college seniors, Destination Imagination honored their achievement with a ceremony to bid them farewell from the program. Sarah Benczik, DI Alumna and Board Trustee, gave the keynote address and Adele Zawada, DI Valedictorian, from Oregon spoke to the graduating class, sharing her experiences and insights from DI.
DI-TV and Photo Gallery - Sharing the Excitement with Those Unable to Attend
DI-TV, sponsored by IBM, and the Global Finals 2013 Photo Gallery captured all of the festivities and insights from sponsors, exhibitors and participants throughout the week. Visit http://destinationimagination.org/ditv to see the highlights and learn more about Destination Imagination's Global Finals event.
About Destination Imagination
Destination Imagination, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps children discover their creative processes. The most popular education offering is the Challenge Program, where student teams solve open-ended Challenges and present their solutions at tournaments. Founded in 1982, Destination Imagination has impacted more than 1.5 million students. To learn more, please visit http://www.destinationimagination.org/.
*Appendix: First Place Award Winners by Challenge and Age Group
Technical - In the Zone:
Elementary:
- Energy, Beijing Zhongguancun #1 ES from Beijing, China
Middle Level:
- AUTO MASTER, Shanghai HuaYu Middle School - Beijing China
- To Be or Not To Be, Eden Prairie Central Middle School - Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Secondary Level:
- Acton Boxborough DI, Acton - Boxborough DI - Boxborough, Massachusetts
University Level:
- JMU Zone, James Madison University - Harrisonburg, Virginia
Science - Wind Visible:
Elementary:
- Jane Chance Elementary, Jane Chance Elementary School - Miamisburg, Ohio
Middle Level:
- FDI, Niguel Hills and Aliso Viejo Middle Schools - Laguna Niguel, California
Secondary Level:
- The Continuation of And the Terr, Carl Junction HS - Carl Junction, Missouri
- Afterface, The Center of Addiction Prevention and Social Integration - GIZYCKO, Poland
- The DI Vincis, Horizon Middle School - Moorhead, Minnesota
University Level:
- The Dynasty, Miamisburg High School Alumni - Miamisburg, Ohio
Fine Arts - In Disguise:
Elementary:
- Fiverbolts, Bridlemile Elementary - Portland, Oregon
Middle Level:
- Pumped Up Kicks, Alison Viejo Middle School - Laguna Niguel, California
Secondary Level:
- Mona Shores Creativity - Muskegon, Michigan
University Level:
- University of Toronto - Toronto, Ontario
Improvisational - Change in Realitee:
Elementary:
- Tie D.I.ers, Katy ISD - Katy, Texas
Middle Level:
- Los Tacos Hermanos, Islander Middle School - Mercer Island, Washington
Secondary Level:
- Central NH Improv Troupe, Central New Hampshire Improve Troupe - Grantham and Lebanon, New Hampshire
University Level:
- Y NOT?, Foundation for the Support and Development Creativity - OTWOCK, Poland
Structural - Twist-O-Rama:
Elementary Level:
- Shanghai Hetianlu, Shanghai Hetian Road Primary School - Beijing, China
Middle Level:
- Rabach/Zawojski, Sevastopol School - Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Secondary Level:
- DIe Harder, Katy ISD - Katy, Texas
University Level:
- North Branch Creativity - North Branch, Michigan
Service Learning - Real to Reel:
Elementary Level:
- DIamonbacks, Frisco ISD - Frisco, Texas
Middle Level:
- Caution: Extremely Awesome, Clark MS - Frisco ISD - Frisco, Texas
Secondary Level:
- Stevens Point, Stevens Point Area Catholic School - Stevens Point, Wisconsin
University Level:
- JMU Real to Reel, James Madison University - Harrisonburg, Virginia
SOURCE Destination Imagination
