Katy ISD students took on the world’s best young innovators at the 2026 Destination Imagination Global Finals in Kansas City, Missouri, earning four Top 10 international finishes while showcasing elite creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills on the global stage.

The Nerd Herd placed second Globally in the Improvisational – Casting Shadows category, representing Morton Ranch at the highest level of competition. They were one of eight teams to advance to the Global Finals following standout performances at the state tournament. The team competed in STEAM-based challenges focused on teamwork, critical thinking, engineering, presentation skills and innovation.

Katy ISD elementary instructional officer and District sponsor for Destination Imagination Kristi Sides praised the students, team managers and families for their dedication throughout the season.

“I am incredibly proud of every student and team manager who represented Katy ISD at Global Finals,” Sides said. “Our students demonstrated outstanding creativity, perseverance and collaboration on the world stage. Having four teams place in the Top 10 internationally is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the talent and hard work of these students.”

In addition to the strong competition results, Team DInoMite earned the honor of leading the Texas delegation during the Global Finals Parade of Nations after being selected from 133 Texas teams.

Destination Imagination is a global educational organization that challenges students to apply creativity, teamwork and innovation to solve open-ended problems in science, technology, engineering, fine arts and service learning.

Katy ISD congratulates all participating students, team managers and families on an outstanding season and exceptional representation of the District on the international stage.


Campus Name Team Name Ranking at State Challenge Level by grade

Morton Ranch HS The Nerd Herd 2 Improvisational - Casting Shadows Secondary 9-12

Cinco Ranch, Beck, Katy,

Taylor Team DInoMite 6 Scientific - Unforgettable Secondary 9-12

McMeans JH Purple Popsicle 8 Technical - Win It Big Middle 6-8

Adams JH 6 Spirited Psychologists 6 Service Learning - Give and Take Middle 6-8

Adams JH Galaxy Girls 11 Service Learning - Give and Take Middle 6-8

Kilpatrick The Magnificent and Outstanding Koalas (The MOKs) 11 Technical - Win It Big Elementary 3-5

Wolman Think about it 15 Technical - Win It Big Elementary 3-5

McMeans JH 7UP 21 Engineering - Above and Beyond Middle 6-8