Teamwork is key for Destination Imagination faction
Think of them as a brainier version of the cast of characters in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
After more than eight months of teamwork and hundreds of hours of practice, a group of Kimball Middle School eighth-graders will head to the Destination Imagination Global Finals Tournament in Knoxville, Tenn., May 21-24.
Team Liquid Chaos placed second in the Illinois Destination Imagination tournament April 12 in Glen Ellyn.
Amanda Lane, Aida Palma, Katherine Von Ahnen, Savannah Underwood, Bridget Davies and Amie Anderson have spent the past three years as teammates in the program, which aims to build critical thinking skills.
In their numerous competitions, the team works together to solve a series of educational challenges that focus on science, math, design and theater.
"On a D.I. team, you really have to work together. You learn that it isn't just about one person and everyone needs to contribute. If there isn't teamwork on your team, you won't do well at the tournaments," Anderson said.
Parents and coaches are not allowed to have any input on problem-solving tactics, Liquid Chaos coach and South Elgin resident Todd Underwood said.
"It's been so neat to see the girls grow up so much … the shy ones have really blossomed, everyone's gained confidence," Underwood said.
At the Global Finals tournament, team winners from across the country and around the world will attempt to out-create one another.
For Liquid Chaos, the team trip to Tennessee will cost about $1,000 per family, Underwood said.
The team plans to host a number of fundraisers in the coming weeks to rake in some coin.
"We'll be holding a car wash, doing concessions at Kimball plays, selling frozen pizzas," he said.
For details, visit www.liquidchaos.org.
On to state: After a first-place win in the Illinois Community College Student Activities Association Regional College Bowl tournament, Elgin Community College's bowl team will compete today in the state championship at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills.
The team's last appearance at the state tournament was in 2007. Before that, the team was in the tournament in 2004, 2003, 1994 and 1993.
Team members include Steve Krull of Elgin, Tristan Angulo of Carpentersville, Courtney Hamill of Streamwood, Arezou Kashani of Algonquin and Charles Gorman of St. Charles.
The state College Bowl tournament is co-sponsored by the Illinois Community College Trustees Association and the Illinois Community College Student Activities Association.
Prayer breakfast: Judson University will host its 20th annual Golden Corridor Community Prayer Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. May 8 in the university's Lindner Fitness Center, 1151 N. State St., Elgin.
Eric Metaxas, author of "Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery," will be the keynote speaker.
Metaxas will describe how Wilberforce's faith brought about a "reformation of manners" that transformed both England and Western countries.
The program will also include the presentation of Judson's D. Ray Wilson Volunteer Service Award.
Tickets are $16 each. For details, visit www. judson.edu/prayerbreakfast or call (847) 628-2080.