2 District Elementary Schools Reach Destination Imagination State Finals

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Worsham Elementary Destination Imagination (DI) team, Falcon Force, received the 2025 Lone Star Finals High Instant Challenge Award. The team, led by team manager Elisa Gutiérrez, included students Bianca Batiz, Esmeralda Beltrán, Jazmín Campos, Rodrigo Campos, Caira Fernandes, Nicolás Hernández, and Christian Zamarripa.

Two Aldine ISD elementary schools celebrated major milestones this spring, advancing to the Texas Destination Imagination (DI) State Finals for the first time.

Teams from Marcella Elementary School and Worsham Elementary School competed in the Lone Star Finals on March 28-29 at the University of Texas at Arlington, showcasing their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Qualifying for State Event

Marcella’s team, Falcon Force, and Worsham’s team, Johnston’s Big Cats, qualified for the state competition after strong performances at the North Harris Regional Tournament held at Nimitz High School on Feb. 22. Falcon Force placed second in the Breaking Point Technical Challenge, earning an automatic state berth, while Johnston’s Big Cats secured third place and advanced as a bonus team.

State Competition and Awards

The two Aldine ISD teams pose for a picture at the 2025 Texas Destination Imagination Lone Star Finals.

Both teams competed in the Breaking Point Technical Challenge divisions at the state competition, presenting months of preparation in a team-based challenge that tested their innovation and critical-thinking skills. Worsham placed ninth out of 16 in the EL-D Level and earned a medal for the High Instant Challenge. This specific challenge is one that students can’t prepare for and is known for its unpredictability. It evaluates teamwork and communication under pressure, showcasing the students’ resilience and adaptability. Marcella placed 13th in their division, EL-I Level.

“Worsham is a relatively new team, but their dedication is unmatched,” said Tiffany Buckholts, Aldine ISD DI district coordinator. “This was JaNae Johnston’s first year as a team manager, and to see them earn a state medal is a testament to their hard work. Their dedication and hard work are inspiring and make us all proud.”

The competition weekend began with a lively pin-trading mixer, where students exchanged regional pins and connected with teams from all over the state, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared experience. Mar. 29 was dedicated to performances in the Team Challenge and Instant Challenge rounds, followed by a vibrant celebration featuring food trucks and live music. The experience culminated in an emotional awards ceremony at Maverick Stadium, celebrating the students’ hard work and dedication.

This year marked Marcella Elementary’s first appearance at the state competition as an elementary school. However, the campus advanced in 2013 when it was known as Marcella Intermediate. Historical records suggest this may be Worsham’s first trip to the state, further underscoring their achievement.

About the Teams

Worsham Elementary School

Johnston’s Big Cats, managed by JaNae Johnston and co-manager Jessica Jones, featured students Allison Hernández, Minelly Reyes, Katelynn Negrete, Mía Chapa, Isabel Ortiz, and Emily Ponce.

“This was my first year being a coach,” said JaNae Johnston. “I took on two teams. I was so excited when my team, Johnston’s Big Cats, made it to state. I was even more surprised when our team name was announced as the first-place Breaking Point Instant Challenge winner. Seeing their ingenuity, teamwork, and kindness work together so effortlessly since they have spent a year developing a wonderful relationship with one another was amazing. They made ninth place with their Breaking Point project, a skit they wrote about how bullying can cause a breaking point. They used a zipline and the center of gravity to demonstrate their point. As a coach, I would do it all over again because I felt good seeing my students grow in so many different ways was priceless.”

Marcella Elementary School

Falcon Force, led by team manager Elisa Gutiérrez, included students Bianca Batiz, Esmeralda Beltrán, Jazmín Campos, Rodrigo Campos, Caira Fernandes, Nicolás Hernández, and Christian Zamarripa.

Future of the District’s DI Program

Aldine ISD’s participation in Destination Imagination continues to grow, offering students opportunities to develop creative problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills. With this year’s success, the district hopes to see more teams advance to the state in the coming years, providing more students the chance to experience the thrill of competition and the joy of creative expression.

“Seeing our students step up to the challenge and represent Aldine ISD at the state level is inspiring,” Buckholts said. “We’re so proud of what they have accomplished.”

Join the DI Team!

Buckholts seeks enthusiastic teachers who would love to guide and mentor young innovators as DI team managers. Middle school coaches are especially needed to help our fifth graders continue their DI journey.

“If you’re passionate about creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a lasting impact,” said Buckholts.