Seven students from Hot Springs Junior Academy's Destination Imagination team will begin their trek to compete in DI's Global Finals in Knoxville, Tenn., today.
After winning first place for their division at the DI Affiliate Tournament in April, the team worked diligently to raise $4,200 to fund their six-day trip to "Globals" where they will compete against students from more than 15 different countries.
This is the third year the students have worked together on the same DI team, but it is their first time competing in the Global Finals. Team sponsor Natalie Mitchell says she feels like the group's strong bond will give them the competitive edge they need to stand out at the finals.
"For them to stay together and stay strong for three years, it's awesome. They work so great together and getting to watch them grow from when they started to now has simply been amazing," Mitchell said.
During their trip to the finals, the team will complete their central and instant challenges that they have spent the entire school year preparing for. Their central challenge is centered around science and the original skit works to solve a problem the cast encounters along the way.
"We had to build a working ride in an unlikely location for our central challenge. We ended up building a carousel and it's located on a mountaintop," said team member Dallas Mitchell.
The entire eight-minute skit was built from the ground up by the students. According to the rules for Destination Imagination, no adults are allowed to contribute in any way. Every stitch sewn and screw drilled was done by the students.
"We have worked so hard to get here and to actually be able to go with this team is really exciting. I'm excited to see what all (Global Finals) offers and the different activities it will have," said team member Marly Archie.
In addition to competing in challenges, the students will have the opportunity to interact with students from around the globe at after-parties, pin trading events, and throughout various skills workshops Mitchell enrolled them in ahead of their arrival. The culture of the Global Finals tournament is just as crucial to the overall experience as the challenges themselves, Mitchell noted.
Local on 05/21/2018