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HOWLAND -- District students are preparing for more success in the annual Destination Imagination competition.
The program engages participants in project-based challenges that are designed to build confidence and develop creativity, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills
While area schools take part in the event that includes an upcoming regional gathering March 14 at Youngstown State University, teams at Howland schools have been competing for several years and have made it to global competition.
At Howland High School, "The Seven Bobs," which made it to global finals for several years, are taking part in the fine arts challenge "Picture This."
While team member Georgio Frazeskos, 17, a junior, has competed for several years, this is Eric Babinchak's, 17, first year.
The category includes a skit and also props the team makes for the theme that takes place in the World War II era.
"The members who have been competing before are familiar with what to expect at the competition. The new team members are learning," Frazeskos said.
Babinchak said he got involved through the encouragement of other teammates.
Frazeskos said in the seven years The Seven Bobs team has competed, it has made it to global finals six of those years.
The global finals are May 20 to 23 in Kansas City, Missouri. Those who do well at the state competition on April 11 advance. Teams successful at the regional and state levels advance to global finals.
Frazeskos said the team has competed in the fine arts category in the past and has done well.
Another Howland team with upper elementary and middle school students is the "Fantastic Five" from Howland Middle School.
Sixth-grader Laura Awaida, 10, ,said the team also is competing in fine arts category for its age level with a theme involving the moon.
Seventh-grader Tasso Anastasiades, 12, who has competed with older students, is now at the middle school level.
"What we are doing as a team will be out of this world. We want to blast off to globals," Anastasiades said.
Riley Cordell, 11, sixth grade, said she competed last year with the team of third- and fourth-graders
Coach Amy Awaida said the students are creative with the ideas they come up with for their presentations.
"This is about working together and teamwork and being creative," she said.
Awaida said the teams are first preparing for the March 14 event at YSU. They have been practicing since early January.
She said the Destination Imagination competition allows teams to use STEAM skills incorporating those skills into their skits, props and presentations.
Destination Imagination was founded in 1999 and has impacted more than one million participants with the purpose to inspire and equip students with 21st century skills, creative outlets and the confidence needed to succeed in school, career and beyond.