EXETER, NH (April 15, 2009)—A team of five Exonians are New Hampshire state champions of the Destination ImagiNation (DI) competition, following a match last month with more than 2,000 local students from about 150 schools and community organizations. The PEA team is now preparing to compete in the DI Global Finals, among 20,000 students from across the nation and 17 countries in the organization’s global competition at the University of Tennessee, in Knoxville, May 20-23. During finals, the team will participate in problem-solving contests, against many teams representing their home state, province or country. Each team is evaluated on its creativity, innovation and teamwork in roughly 20 areas.

Considered one of the largest creative problem-solving programs for kids, Destination ImagiNation is made up of more than 300,000 students in over 45 countries and the United States, hosting a variety of activities year-round. Participants are aged 2-18, and build lifelong skills in creativity and critical thinking, time management and problem-solving. Through the team efforts, students learn about mutual respect, resource management, research and presentation skills, and self-reliance.

The PEA team members are: Matthew B. Zia, an upper (junior) from Exeter, NH; Geoffrey P. Safford, a prep (freshman) from Exeter, NH; Morgan K. McClure, a senior from Portsmouth, NH; Alexandra K. Azzi, an upper (junior) from Rye, NH; and Emily J. Murray, an upper (junior) from Matinicus Island, ME, who participated in practice sessions but was not able to compete.

The team won second place at the New Hampshire state meet last month, held at Sanborn High School in Kingston, NH. The top two teams from the state challenge will compete in the Global Finals. The Exeter team won first place at this year’s regional competition, which was held at Timberlane High School in Plaistow, NH, and was among seven secondary teams competing in the DI regionals held last month. The team was also honored with the Spirit of Discovery and ImagiNation Award, in recognition of those who act as superior role models in the areas of spirit, sportsmanship and volunteerism.

DI Club adviser and Math Instructor Joan Zia described the atmosphere during the team’s rehearsals. “I love how (our) living room now looks like backstage at a theater. The team’s laughter and enthusiasm as they worked was a wonderful reminder that DI is intended to cultivate positive team dynamics in a challenging, but fun, environment,” she says.                                    
                                                                            
Team members say they’re involved in DI because of their love for challenges. Azzi explained that last year the team placed fourth in the state competition and received the DaVinci award for its creativity. But for her, DI is a part of who she is. “I’m so glad I’ve had the opportunity to continue DI while at Exeter. I didn’t think I’d have the chance to compete again. I felt as though I was missing part of myself. DI is about wearing funky hats, writing silly songs, dancing with your team to win a cake . . . it’s about being yourself and seeing things differently, in a world where what matters is creativity,” she says. 
             
For more information about the Destination ImagiNation Club, contact club adviser Joan Zia at jzia@exeter.edu  or 603-777-4346. To learn more about student activities on Exeter’s campus, visit our webpage. A complete list of news and events is available on our website. Upcoming events are also available on our public events line at 603-777-4309. For directions, call 603-777-4330.