25awards_jcm_0957_auburn_vill_school_500Destination Imagination has several awards that are considered more valuable, in many ways, than first place. One is the Da Vinci award, which  is given for “having a unique approach to a solution, for risk taking, and/or for outstanding creativity (not skill or talent).” It is not easily won – especially at Global Finals – but the team from Auburn Village School took the Da Vinci  in the technical challenge.

This was the second year for this team that consisted of five boys, one fifth grader and four fourth graders. Last year the majority of the team went to Global Finals and came in 19th place. This year they decided to try the technical challenge and what a challenge it was.

The team, “The Mini Motors”, would meet on Sundays for 4-6 hours depending on what they were trying to accomplish. They spent hours creating and refining their solution. They started meeting in November. 

Right up front they decided they did not want to use any kind of car as their vehicle. They wanted to be different and think outside the box. After much brainstorming they decided that their vehicles would be shoes and their story would be about the dangers that old man Larry faced through out his life.

The story was told from the perspective of different shoes he wore at different times of his life. They also made every vehicle look like a shoe, for this and their story they were honored with a Da Vinci Award at Global Finals. Although they were very excited about taking third place at Global Finals, they were more excited about getting an award for exceptional creativity.

The Mini Motors absolutely loved going to Global Finals and enjoyed many events but especially loved the family camp where they got to enjoy watching their families try to solve instant challenges. All of them agree that all their hard work paid off and that Global Finals is an incredible experience.

Destination Imagination taught this team, if you think you can, then you can!!!!