Esko DI teams qualify for state

The Dragonfruit Dominators team, front: Addie Lanthier; and back, from left: Bailey Myhrman, Jonah Laundergan, Kendra Putzke, Haley Mullen, Michelle Jokinen and Eleanor Graddy. They were coached by Jessie Graddy and Maddie Graddy. Photos submitted

By none

April 13, 2018 05:01 PM

Three Destination Imagination teams from Esko Public Schools have qualified for the Affiliate (state) Tournament on Saturday, April 14, in Champlin, Minn.

All three teams - Dragonfruit Dominators, senior level; Happiness Destroyers, middle level; and Octoporpoises, elementary level - qualified in the Fine Arts challenge, "Change of Tune."

DI is a nonprofit, volunteer-led, cause-driven organization whose purpose is to inspire and equip students to become the next generation of innovators and leaders. Annually, it offers seven new challenges in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), Improv, Visual Arts, Service Learning and Early Learning. Academic tournaments take place around the world.

Teams participating in the Affiliate Tournament may qualify for the Global Finals on May 23-26 in Knoxville, Tenn.

The Octoporpoises team, from left: Patrick Gannucci, Piper Rice, Annika Halvorson, Alec Halvorson, Jack Graddy, Sydney Kazel and Aspen Berg. They were coached by Jessie Graddy.

1/2: The Octoporpoises team, from left: Patrick Gannucci, Piper Rice, Annika Halvorson, Alec Halvorson, Jack Graddy, Sydney Kazel and Aspen Berg. They were coached by Jessie Graddy.

The Happiness Destroyers team, from left: Kate Staples, Kaitlin Lattner, Hannah Swanson, Harper Mears, Ashley Aker and Anna Schmitz. They were coached by Jennifer Aker.

2/2: The Happiness Destroyers team, from left: Kate Staples, Kaitlin Lattner, Hannah Swanson, Harper Mears, Ashley Aker and Anna Schmitz. They were coached by Jennifer Aker.