Photo contributed OFF TO FINALS – Two Edison Jr./Sr. High teams are headed to the Destination Imagination Global Finals in Kansas City, Mo., on May 21-24 with both newcomers and returning competitors joining more than 1,000 contestants from the U.S. and other countries to complete open-ended challenges. Members of the freshman team, “Us,” are returning for the fourth consecutive time and include, front from left, Beckett Dopp, Olivia Ferguson, Lindsey Howell and Learynn Hanson. In the back are Connor Richardson, Nate Myers, and Daleanee Devore.

RICHMOND — Two Edison Jr./Sr. High Destination Imagination teams have proven their mettle at the state level and are now headed to the Global Finals in May.

The freshmen team “Us” and the seventh-grade group “I Forgot Their Names” both excelled at the recent competition in Cincinnati, joining about 100 teams from across Ohio in the educational program. Destination Imagination, or D.I., challenges students to solve open-ended problems and present creative solutions, building skills in critical thinking, teamwork, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) and conflict resolution.

Now, the teams will travel to Missouri on May 21-24 to compete against more than 1,000 participants from across the United States and countries including China and Mexico at the Kansas City Convention Center. There, they will take part in team and individual challenges spanning fine arts, technical, scientific, engineering, improvisational, early learning and service learning categories.

For team “Us,” this marks its fourth trip to the Global Finals. The group previously placed as high as 10th out of 50 teams and is eager to return.

“I feel excited,” said Beckett Dopp.

Team members Lindsey Howell, Daleanee Devore, Learynn Hanson, Beckett Dopp, Nate Myers, Connor Richardson and Olivia Ferguson are coached by Amanda Richardson and Eric Ferguson. They will compete in the senior-level engineering challenge with their project, “Above and Beyond.”

“We had to create a structure that extends far and high and can carry up to 10 weights, then write a story about something that expands and goes above and beyond,” Howell explained.

Beyond competition, the students are also looking forward to the experience — including cultural exchanges, interactive events and meeting teams from around the world. They’re also planning a small act of kindness during their trip.

“We’re decorating clothespins with positive messages and pinning them to people in Kansas City,” Hanson said. “Messages like ‘Good Luck’ and ‘Be Kind.'”

Meanwhile, the junior high team “I Forgot Their Names” is preparing for its first Global Finals appearance. Coached by Alicia Krepps, the team developed a middle-level scientific challenge centered on a memory-stealing apparatus set in an abandoned asylum.

Members Cadence Bendle and Casher Dopp bring some prior experience. Bendle previously competed with the John Gregg Elementary team “The Baconators,” which placed 13th out of 40 teams, while Dopp attended a past competition with his older brother, Beckett.

They’ll share that experience with teammates Briar Bendle, Kinsley Cline and Clairann Jolly.

“I’m excited,” Cline said, echoing her teammates’ enthusiasm.

“It’s a lot of fun, and the experience is even better,” Bendle added, noting that pin trading is a favorite activity and offers a chance to meet new people.

To help cover travel costs, the teams have been fundraising through donations, food sales and penny wars. A spaghetti dinner benefit is planned for April 25 from 3-7 p.m. at Richmond Methodist Church. The event will include pasta, salad and dessert for dine-in or takeout, with donations accepted. Kathy’s Little Kitchen kettle corn will also be available, along with raffles.

District D.I. coordinator Kelly Dopp said she is proud of both teams’ dedication and growth.

“Our high school team, ‘Us,’ has been working together for over five years and understands what judges are looking for,” she said. “They push themselves to earn the highest scores possible, and this year they went above and beyond with a motor-operated rainbow that transformed from black and white to color during their performance.”

She said the junior high team also stood out.

“They created a memorable and creative storyline and performed their characters perfectly, leaving the judges in stitches,” Dopp said. “I’m excited for them to experience everything Globals has to offer, from the events to the different cultures.”