Team “Y us” from Bedford earned a 4th-place in the world in their improvisational challenge win at the DI Global Finals in Missouri. Courtesy Photo

KANSAS CITY, MO –Sixteen teams from New Hampshire were among the over 600 teams from around the US and the World competing at Destination Imagination Global Finals this week in Kansas City, MO. Global Finals culminates a year in which teams must solve one of six complex STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) or Service Learning Challenges. Following Saturday night’s award ceremony, two New Hampshire teams are now among the best in the World.

While all 16 New Hampshire teams competed at a strong level, embracing the once in a lifetime experience, teams from Bedford and Milford ranked highest in the academic competition. The “Y Us” team of Bedford High School ranked fourth in the world in the secondary level of this year’s Improvisational Challenge, and team ” Twisted Wizards” from Milford High School ranked 10th place in the world in the secondary level service learning Challenge. Each had demanding criteria that needed to be solved collaboratively and creatively.

Milford’s Twisted Wizards earned the DaVinci Award, placing 10th in the world at this year’s DI Global Finals. Courtesy Photo

The Team Manager for Milford’s Twisted Wizards, Heather Romeri said, “I have never been so proud as to see my team accept the well deserved DaVinci award this year!” The team earned the award at NH State Finals for unique approaches and/or outstanding creativity skills. “I have seen the growth and creativity grow year after year! It took 12 years, but it was so well deserved!”

Kelly Chausovsky, Team Manager for Bedford said “Managing this team is so easy [and] astonishes me with their creative and innovative solutions.” This marks the team’s fifth qualification for Global Finals, and third time to participate.

Team NH representing some of the best and brightest of the Granite State. Courtesy Photo

Team managers facilitate the team, but not the solutions which must be strictly team solved. The teams of up to seven students must solve these complex challenges by themselves, building collaboration, teamwork, critical thinking and other skills needed in an evolving world. They must advance through Regional and State competition – or, for international teams, regional and country level competition. Among the 15 countries represented this year included Canada, Ukraine, China, Turkey, Cayman Islands, Chile and others.

While the Bedford and Milford team were in the top 10, the remaining New Hampshire teams had to best over 100 other teams to reach Global Finals – and should remember that they too are among the best in the world and competed in a competition that builds skills that they can and will grow over their lifetimes.

For more information about the non-profit New Hampshire Destination Imagination, visit NH-DI.org.

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