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12 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday April 11, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Morden students' next Destination ImagiNation is Knoxville By Andrew Fruch SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER The students at W.H. Morden Public School have much reason to celebrate. Two teams of Grade 5 students qualified to attend the global finals for `Destination ImagiNation', a world-wide competition. Destination ImagiNation is competition with teams participating from over 55 countries. The competition is meant for elementary students. Qualifying teams are invited to take place in the finals, which are being held May 22-28, in Knoxville Tennessee. Students from W.H. Morden had to design a house of cards, using glue that could hold up to 240 pounds without weighing more than 85 grams, the equivalent of 10 dimes. The Grade 5 teams managed to capture the two top rankings. The firstplace team created a structure that could hold an astonishing 520 lbs. The second place team created a structure that held 175 pounds. "The kids loved it," said Jennifer Feke, Grade 5 teacher at W.H. Morden. "The experience on the day of the competition was incredible for them." Students from both teams are part of H.W. Morden's gifted program. They follow an alternative curriculum that is accelerated and broader. A Grade 6 team which competed in a different event placed third, but did not qualify for the global finals. The Grade 6 students had to create an aircraft. They were competing against students in Grades 6-8. The qualifying event took place two weeks ago at St. Basil The Great in North York. There were more than 700 students from various schools who competed in the provincial competition. Destination ImagiNation was first brought to W.H. Morden last year by teacher Margaret Murphy, one of the Grade 5 teachers at the school. It was introduced to the students, but the school did not officially compete. This year, once the school decided to compete, preparation began the second week of school. It was worked into the curriculum, but took a dedicated effort and a large amount of personal time. Students met outside of school at least once a week and parents, acting as team leaders, helped to organize the teams. "I would like to thank the team leaders for their dedication, it was phenomenal," said Murphy. "Without them it wouldn't have been possible." The school teams now have the task of raising $23,000 to cover the costs of their trip to Knoxville. The school is hoping to attract corporate sponsorship throughout Oakville to cover the bulk of the cost. Donors will be recognized in categories based on the size of their donations. The highest category is diamond, which is given to those that donate $10,000 or more, followed by platinum, gold, silver and bronze. Acknowledgments are giving to those who contribute less than $1,000. Tax receipts will be given for all donations. The school will also be selling silicon bracelets for $3 at various locations across Oakville. The bracelets are burgundy and grey, the school colours, and bear the words "Believe, Achieve, Inspire." The students will spend five days in Knoxville, lodging at the University of Tennessee. Accompanying parents will have to travel at their own expense. While in Tennessee, students will take part in two outside excursions, including a campus tour and a possible trip to the mountains. While the students are com- FIRST PLACE: W.H. Morden Public School's winning Destination ImagiNation Grade 5 team is, in front, from left, Kiera Forman-Tran, Joseph Dillon, and in back, from left, Emily Drappo, Miranda Hueston, Ryan Vickramacinghe and Adrian Salvatore. SECOND PLACE: W.H. Morden Public School's runner-up Destination ImagiNation Grade 5 team is, from left, Thomas Clifford, Andrew Allen, Harriett Yan, Becky Gregoire and Connor Lawless. peting in Knoxville, whatever the results, the school and those involved with the teams are already proud at just how much they have accomplished. "The teachers and team leaders were very dedicated and all the students worked hard," said Kathie Gregoire, a parent and fundraising organizer. "And they are now representatives, representing the school and the province." Those who wish to donate are encouraged to contact the school. KEEPING SENIORS INFORMED Our LivingWell Events are Open to the Public Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life Oakville Unit June 1-2, 2007 Appleby College 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Join us for a night to remember. 12-hour non-competitive fundraising Relay 10-member teams Cancer survivors walk the first lap Buy $5 luminaries to honour a loved one Entertainment Food Fun! Register online now at www.cancer.ca/relay or call (905) 845-5231 Event Sponsor Site Sponsor Survivor Sponsor Food Sponsor TM