Daring Divas Head to Finals

The Daring Divas (L to R): Caroline Arnett, Marley Bittinger, Abbie Wilson, Juliet James, and Aubree Shepherd. Photo: Peggy James.

By Susan Nolan

A group of fifth-grade girls from Lothian Elementary School will head to Kansas City next month to compete in a global competition.

The Daring Divas—Caroline Arnett, Marley Bittinger, Juliet James, Aubree Shepherd, and Abbie Wilson—took first place in the Maryland Destination Imagination (DI) competition earlier this month. The annual contest recognizes creative problem solving through a variety of exercises in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. The Lothian group earned the highest score among the elementary schools in the Daring Escape Challenge ensuring them a place in the Global Finals May 21.

The Daring Divas began working towards the competition in September by building two “daring devices”—one powered by electricity, the other propelled by non-electric technical methods. Each device had to overcome a series of challenges within the context of a play written and produced by the students.

Parent-volunteer Peggy James has been coordinating the Lothian DI team for six years. According to James, the students are responsible for the planning and implementation of their projects. “Team managers and other adults can teach certain skills, but the ideas, designs and construction are entirely student-led,” she says.

In addition to placing first in their category, the Daring Divas were one of two teams to be awarded the Renaissance Award for engineering excellence in the statewide event.

With teams from China and Latin America participating in the up-coming global competition, the Daring Divas will have the opportunity to showcase their work on a worldwide stage. “My favorite part is the competition,” says Juliet James, who is in her third year as a DI team member. “It’s fun and I like performing.”

Teammate Abbie Wilson adds she is looking forward to the social aspects of the event. “My brother told me about the pin-trading. It will be fun,” she says referring to the opportunity she and the other Divas will have to collect and exchange souvenir pins with other teams.

Additionally, organizations like NASA and the Ford Motor Company will offer demonstrations and lead students in hands-on engineering activities. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for our youth in South County to showcase their creativity and engineering skills,” says Peggy James.

To offset the $10,000 cost of participating in the Global Destination Imagination competition, the team is currently accepting donations. The Daring Divas will be wearing t-shirts to the event printed with the names of businesses and individuals donating $200 or more. Anyone interested in contributing should contact Peggy James (830-765-5958).