IST DI Middle School Team Advances to State
The International School of Texas celebrated a record-breaking year at the Capital Region Destination Imagination Tournament, sending four student teams to compete in one of the world’s premier creativity and problem-solving competitions. Through innovation, collaboration, and perseverance, IST students showcased the critical thinking and teamwork that define an International Baccalaureate education, with the school’s Middle School team earning a coveted berth to the Texas Destination Imagination State Tournament in Arlington.
Destination Imagination (DI) is a global educational program that challenges students to solve complex, open-ended problems through engineering, fine arts, improvisation, storytelling, and scientific inquiry. Working together over several months, students develop original solutions, build technical skills, and strengthen collaboration while preparing for both Team Challenges and Instant Challenges that test their creativity under pressure.
This year’s tournament marked a milestone for IST, with four teams representing the school across multiple divisions.
The Rising Stars team, Dragons Tigers Cats (Grade 1), earned the highest possible ratings in every judging category. During their performance, part of their set unexpectedly toppled over, but the students adapted seamlessly, incorporating the moment into their presentation without missing a beat. Judges praised the team’s impressive improvisation skills, adaptability, and confidence under pressure.
Both Elementary Division teams also delivered outstanding performances. The Grade 4–5 team, The Great Wonton Warriors, came within one point of a perfect score on the Instant Challenge, an exceptional accomplishment that highlighted their quick thinking and teamwork. Meanwhile, the Grade 2–3 team, The Amazingly Awesome Austin Anteaters, impressed judges with their creativity, enthusiasm, and engaging storytelling. Their main character received special recognition for expressive voice inflection, strong line delivery, and outstanding character development.
Leading the way for IST, the Middle School team, Penguins in Tuxedos, earned third place out of 18 teams, qualifying for the Texas Destination Imagination State Tournament at The University of Texas at Arlington. Their advancement reflects months of collaboration, innovation, and dedication, and the entire IST community is proud to cheer them on as they represent the school at the state level.
“Destination Imagination embodies so many of the skills we strive to cultivate at IST,” said Corey Gayheart, Destination Imagination Advisor and Director of Communications & Marketing. “Watching our students think creatively, solve complex challenges, collaborate under pressure, and support one another throughout this journey has been incredibly rewarding. I couldn’t be prouder of what they accomplished.”
Gayheart also expressed his gratitude to the many volunteers who made the season possible.
“A special thank you goes to our incredible parent team managers, Connie Ditto and Anna Robinson, whose countless hours of mentoring, planning, and encouragement made this experience possible for our students. We are also deeply grateful to all of our DI families for their commitment throughout the season. Most importantly, congratulations to our students for their creativity, perseverance, and willingness to take on every challenge with enthusiasm. The best is yet to come.”
The success of all four teams reflects IST’s commitment to inquiry-based learning, innovation, and developing students who are confident communicators, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders. Congratulations to all of our Destination Imagination participants on an unforgettable season!