Katy ISD Destination Imagination (DI) teams delivered standout performances at the Lone Star Finals State Tournament, earning top placements and advancing to the Global Finals after competing against more than 500 teams across Texas, the district announced on April 16.

Students represented the district in seven challenges across multiple divisions, demonstrating creativity, critical thinking and collaboration in one of the state’s most competitive, student-driven competitions. Eight Katy ISD teams that placed in the top six spots qualified to advance to the Destination Imagination Global Finals in May in Kansas City, Mo.

A highlight of the competition came from the team “Wait for the Weights,” which earned both the prestigious Renaissance Award and High Instant Challenge honors at the secondary level. Their project, “An Expanding and Contracting Expansion Effect,” impressed judges as both a work of art and an engineering achievement. The team designed a Hoberman-style sphere using hundreds of hinged popsicle sticks that expanded several feet in diameter before contracting and reopening. The synchronized structure allowed the team to represent emotion through movement while blending creativity and design.

Seven Lakes High School senior Isha Kura earned a Destination Imagination scholarship for her dedication and contributions to the program.

“Katy ISD students continue to amaze us with their creativity, resilience and ability to think beyond the expected,” said district Destination Imagination Sponsor Kristi Sides. “We are incredibly proud of the dedication they have shown throughout the season and the way they represented our District at the state level.”

Katy ISD congratulates all participating students, team managers and families for their commitment and success, a district spokesperson said.

Campus Name Team Name Ranking at State Challenge Level by grade

Adams Junior High Galaxy Girls 1 Service Learning- Give and Take Middle 6-8

Seven Lakes, Tompkins,

Jordan High School Wait for the Weights 2 Engineering - Above and Beyond Secondary 9-12

Wolman Elementary Think about it 2 Technical- Win It Big Elementary 3-5

McMeans Junior High 7UP 3 Engineering - Above and Beyond Middle 6-8

Morton Ranch High

School The Nerd Herd 5 Improvisational - Casting Shadows Secondary 9-12

Beck Junior High, Cinco

Ranch High School, Katy

High School, Taylor High

School Team DInoMite 5 Scientific - Unforgettable Secondary 9-12

Adams Junior High 6 Spirited Psychologists 5 Service Learning- Give and Take Middle 6-8

McMeans Junior High Purple Popsicle 5 Technical- Win It Big Middle 6-8

Kilpatrick Elementary The Magnificent and Outstanding Koalas (The MOKs) 8 technical- Win It Big Elementary 3-5

Katy Junior High Tigers 11 Fine Arts - Becoming Super Middle 6-8

Bryant Elementary The Super Pickles 12 Fine Arts - Becoming Super Elementary 3-5

Katy Elementary Roaring Tigers 13 Service Learning- Give and Take Elementary 3-5

Wilson Elementary SSCCANX 14 Fine Arts - Becoming Super Elementary 3-5

Beckendorff Junior High Olympians 14 Scientific - Unforgettable Middle 6-8

Taylor High School DI See What I See? 13 Extreme - Secondary Challenge Secondary 9-12