MISD teams shine at Destination Imagination Lone Star Finals

Nine student teams from Midlothian ISD recently showcased their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills at the Texas Destination Imagination Lone Star Finals, held at the University of Texas Arlington. Midlothian ISD congratulates all participating teams for their hard work and achievements at the Lone Star Finals and is pleased to announce that seven of the nine teams have advanced to the Global Finals competition to be held in Kansas City, Missouri, in May.

Representing multiple campuses across the district in one of the state’s premier academic competitions, our teams took the stage at the state-level competition after months of preparation, collaboration, and innovative thinking. Destination Imagination (DI) challenges students in K-12 to apply STEM, fine arts, and improvisational skills to solve complex, open-ended problems, encouraging both critical thinking and creativity.

At the Lone Star Finals, Midlothian ISD students competed against some of the top teams from across Texas in a variety of challenge categories, including engineering, scientific, technical, fine arts, and improvisational performances. Each team presented a unique, student-driven solution, demonstrating not only academic excellence but also resilience, communication, and teamwork.

Super Smart Thinking T-Rexes, Baxter Elementary
7th Place, Service Learning Elementary Level
Team Members: Kyar Moore, Knoxx Moore, Rayleigh Delay, Leah Castles, Wyatt Wilkins
Team Managers: Danielle Moore, Brittany Castles

Red Hot Silly Peppers, Larue Miller Elementary
4th Place (Highest Instant Challenge), Service Learning Elementary Level
Team Members: Alex Benson, Lane Kornegay, Cade Templeton, Phoebe Wells, Max Karaman, Corina Salcedo, Mackenzie Arriaga
Team Managers: Jessica Arriaga, Allison Templeton

Technically, it’s Service, Dieterich Middle School
2nd Place (Highest Instant Challenge), Service Learning Middle Level
6th Place (High Instant Challenge), Technical Middle Level
Team Members: Casey Arriaga, Julia Josselyn, Maycie Wilborn, Taiwo Alamudun, Nora Harmonson
Team Managers: Jessica Arriaga, Jennifer Josselyn

Rollerblading Wizards, Heritage High School/Walnut Grove Middle School
5th Place, Service Learning Secondary Level
Team Members: Wyatt Stillwell, Olivia Stillwell, Jenna Addicks, Deborah Bolduc, Tyler Langbien
Team Managers: Hillary Stillwell, Alissa Heimer

Super Kooper’s Mental Marrowverse, Dieterich Middle School
1st Place, Fine Arts Middle Level and 2nd Place, Scientific Middle Level
Team Members: Luke Baldwin, Jackson Everheart, Zac Valverde, Zoe Valverde, Brock Behan, Ella Lamm, Rhys Disney
Team Managers: Kristen Behan, Laura Valverde

We would also like to give a special shoutout to the following teams. While they did not advance to Globals, they had a great showing at the competition and represented MISD well.

Teenagers in Tiaras, Midlothian High School
8th Place, Improv Secondary Level
Team Members: Gretta Gardner, Grace Gardner, Blair Bryant, Davan Mulkey
Team Managers: Dani Gardner, Rachel Bryant

A Team Name, Larue Miller Elementary
12th Place, Improv Elementary Level
Team Members: Caden Stetz, Charlie Driggers, Anella Soto, Peyton Fields, Finn Vordtriede, Braxton Vinolla
Team Managers: Andrea Stetz

“Our students represented Midlothian ISD with incredible pride and creativity,” said Kim Moss, Destination Imagination Coordinator.  “Destination Imagination provides a powerful platform for students to think outside the box, and as always, our MISD teams truly rose to the occasion.”

Participation in DI helps students build lifelong skills such as leadership, time management, and collaboration. The experience also fosters confidence as students present their ideas in front of judges and peers. The success of these nine teams reflects the strong support of MISD educators, coaches, and families who guide and encourage students throughout the DI season. Their dedication plays a vital role in helping students reach their full potential.