Dublin Girls Fundraise For DI Global Contest

A local team of learners have been competing in the Destination Imagination educational program and have made to the Globals being held in Kansas City, Missouri in May.

The all-girl team named the 'DI Dragons'. is made up of a group of 3 middle schoolers from Fallon (Veda Raman, Fiona Shen & Aadhya Raghunathan) and a 3rd grader from Dougherty (Samaira Raman) and had to develop solutions to one of six competitive DI STEAM-based Challenges.

“I learned about different chemical reactions. The most fun was probably working together to find a solution for various problems we come across”, said Samaira Raman, the youngest of the girls.

The team said that this educational program has helped them learn and practice valuable skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.

“I am excited about meeting DI teams from other countries”, said Veda Raman.

The Globals are back in Kansas City after a two year break and this in-person event will celebrate creativity and innovation. The DI Dragons have advanced through the Regional and State level competitions and are now heading for the Destination Imagination Global Finals Challenge Experience tournament with teams from around the world.

“This is my first time going to globals," said Aadhya Raghunathan,"and I want to be able to compete and participate in all the activities that are going to be happening.”

The Globals cost a lot of money (registration, flight, hotel and transporting props), and they are trying to raise what they can in the limited time they have - the event is scheduled for May 21-24.

The teams parents hosted a mothers day "pancakes in the park" fundraiser on May 1st to help reach their target. “The pancake breakfast went great." reported mom Rachna,"It was so nice to see new and old friends come to support us in the park, and all the kids were having so much fun with the activities our girls organized. Made me thankful for our Dublin community!”

The girls' parents have also promised to match every dollar they raise by themselves. “Going to the Globals is a chance of a lifetime for these girls. They are very excited and I’m sure this will be an unforgettable experience” said dad Karthik.

They have also been generously sponsored by two local Realtors - Roger Prasad and Ramesh Macharla. The DI Dragons team are appealing to the local community to support their cause and help them reach the finals.

"Make our dreams come true; every little bit helps." says the byline on their GoFundMe page