Madison youth find winning routes in Destination Imagination

The Destination Imagination team “Agateophobia” from Bob Jones High School included Jazi Atassi, from left standing, Sarah-Grace Tucker, Jessica Hall, Samantha Bailey, and Paige Bounds. Lili Bowerman is seated. (CONTRIBUTED)

From Heritage Elementary School, the “Barbaric Belles” are number one in Alabama. Members are Andrea Torres, from left, Erin Ruch, Isabelle Robley, Lusi Levan, Paitlyn McGee and Olivia Ruble. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Numerous Madison teams deduced correct paths at the Alabama State Destination Imagination Tournament at the University of Alabama in Huntsville on April 18.

In DI, teams create eight-minute, student-designed solutions to one of six different challenges. Students must apply principles from science, theatre, technology and structural engineering.

For the eighth consecutive year, Madison had the most participants. Madison youth won five of 13 first-place plaques.

Bob Jones High School’s “Agateophobia” team with Jazi Atassi, Samantha Bailey, Paige Bounds, Lili Bowerman, Jessica Hall and Sarah-Grace Tucker won first place. Parent manager is Heather Bailey.

“Whatever Forever” with Kat Cox, Juliette Gurganious, Will Richerson and Sara Turner from Bob Jones ranked first. Parent manager is Laura Richerson.

“J.A.S.O.N.” from Liberty Middle School with Mhairi Kerr, Jamie Benesh, Liz Holcomb, Ethan Humphrey and Paul Choe won second for “Creature Feature.” “J.A.S.O.N.” was chosen as a “Wild Card” team eligible for globals.

Winning second place, “Tainted Tuxedo Squad” from Discovery Middle School included Alec Dauma, Turner Dauma, Colby Huskey, Nicholas Nave, C.O. Okafor and Dale Taylor. They presented “Creature Feature.” Parent manager is Anthony Dauma.

“Pangeist” from Discovery place first for “Creature Feature.” Team members are Lael Anderson, Caeden Anderson, Evan Krohn, Dylan Coleman and Jessie Sloan. Parent manager is Michelle Krohn.

From Heritage Elementary School, the “Barbaric Belles” earned first place for “The Improv Games.” Team members are Andrea Torres, Erin Ruch, Isabelle Robley, Lusi Levan, Paitlyn McGee and Olivia Ruble.

West Madison Elementary School’s “Gummy Bear Apocalypse” team took first place with Rebecca Coffey, Ben Crouse, Harley Dauma, Savannah Gaertner, Kamryn Hailey and Anahita Pour Biazar. Team manager is Julie Hinz. The “Blue Ribbon Society” team won the “Spirit of DI” award.

Sponsors are Robin Dauma, Bob Jones and Discovery; Wendy Tibbs, West Madison; Tabitha Odom, Liberty; and Rachel Glass and Laura Minor, Heritage.

These teams are eligible for 2015 Global Finals in Knoxville in May.