Seven Mariemont Junior High School students took home the title at the Ohio Destination Imagination (DI) competition and have advanced to compete at the Global DI competition in Kansas City this May.

 

Eighth grade students Abby Conners, Lucy Good, Lincoln Griesmer, Beckett Wendler, Lily Wickemeyer, Jaxx Wright and Lillah Zaveri have competed as a DI team named the “Cookie MonStars” for six straight years and have qualified for the state tournament five times. This is the team’s first time qualifying for the global competition.

 

In Destination Imagination, students work together in teams to solve open-ended STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) challenges designed to teach the creative process. The creative process is a step-by-step approach that helps students better understand problems and ask better questions, come up with solutions, learn from failure and celebrate their achievements. In going through this process, kids learn vital life and career skills – creative thinking, critical thinking, public speaking and collaborative problem-solving – that help them feel empowered and set them up for success in their future.

 

The Cookie MonStars selected a technical challenge for this year’s competition. Since last fall they have worked to meet the requirements for the challenge, which include building two vehicles that must overcome three hazards.

 

During the state competition, the team also received the prestigious Renaissance Award, given to one team that demonstrates outstanding skill in design, engineering, execution or performance.