Destination Imagination is a program that encourages children to be creative, problem solve and develop teamwork skills.

Three Batesville DI teams placed in the top three of their categories at the Indiana Affiliate Regional Tournament March 15, qualifying them to compete at the state level Saturday, April 12, in Noblesville.

One team achieved second place in its category at the state level, earning the right to participate in the globals competition in Knoxville, Tenn., May 21-25.

This team, called BrainStorms, is comprised of seven Batesville Intermediate School students: Erin Longstreth, Layne Kirchoff, Paige Frank, Peter Heil, Jacob Adley, Spencer Deak and John-Michael Moll. The team leaders are Marie-Rose Adley and Vicki Heil.

“They're all first-time DI'ers,” Batesville Community School Corp. Destination Imagination coordinator Rosena Kennedy told trustees April 14. “I'm sure the kids are so excited they can't stand it. It's an incredible accomplishment for them.”

“Be watching for fundraising events to help these students earn the $4,000 it will take to attend the globals competition,” Vicki Heil said.

Six years in a row at least one team from BCSC has gone to globals, which draws 10,000 students from about 40 states and 13 other countries, according to Kennedy. “The Batesville teams have a reputation. You'll hear people say, ‘Oh, we want to see the Batesville teams perform.’ ... Our program is known.”

“The BIS teams have been working since last fall perfecting their challenges that involve a skit, building sets and mechanical devices, incorporating an impromptu element and practicing Instant Challenges,” noted principal Jere Schoettmer. During the Instant Challenge, teams showcase their improvisational skills. They have as little as 20 minutes to plan and perform their final presentation to the panel of appraisers.

Also competing at the state level after earning a third place at the regional was the BIS team called "Hit and Miss." Members were Butch Laker, Drake Burton, Jared Ilderton, Luke Wukusick Riley Waddell, Austin Prickel and Jordan Moorman and manager Deidre Laker with helper Terrica Moorman.

One Batesville Middle School team came in second in its category at the regional. At the state competition, “they did not place, but they did well,” reported coach Julia Heidlage.

The team did an improvisation, called “Chorific,” which means they created their solution to a problem at the competition and not before. It centered around everyday chores and possible problems. They also researched 12 famous people. During their presentation, one name was drawn and they had to incorporate that person in the skit.

Chorebusters team members were Rachel Laker, Alex Heidlage, Emily Shaw, Andrea Nobbe, Drew Burton and Connor Rose.

There were two other BIS teams. Doodle Girls: Olivia McKnight, Kelsey Rodgers, Allison Livergood, Kylee Meyer, Emma Stevens, Clare Dwenger, Madeline Cook and manager Scott McKnight; D Einsteins: Mary Catherine Barnett, Grace Heppner, Nathan Hall, Derek Frank, Kevin Bedel, Samantha Heidlage, Morgan Osterling and managers Thomas and Lisa Barnett.