On March 21, 2025, the 14th edition of the “Destination Imagination” (DI) event took place at Symmes/D’Arcy. This significant international competition, held annually, allows students to showcase their scientific, technical, and artistic skills in a fun and stimulating environment. As in previous years, the Western Québec School Board had the honor of participating, reinforcing its commitment to student innovation and creativity.
This event is led by Lisa Diner, Educational Technology Consultant, and Steve Greig, Complementary Services Consultant. Their main goal is to enrich the science and technology program by offering students a unique opportunity to have fun while developing essential skills for their future. To achieve this, the organizers offer two challenges: a technical challenge for secondary school teams and a scientific challenge for elementary school teams.
The event began at 9:30 a.m. with a parade of the participating schools, highlighting the enthusiasm and cohesion of the teams. This year, thirteen schools participated, represented by a total of 23 teams. Each team demonstrated great competitive spirit and remarkable creativity in hopes of standing out and winning a prize.
After the opening parade of teams, the organizers took the stage to welcome the participants and present the day’s program. The various challenges then began, leading to impressive performances by the students, who displayed energy, talent, and ingenuity. Throughout the day, the young participants competed with skill and imagination to meet the challenges presented. The students also had the opportunity to explore their team-building skills through our Destination Leadership (DL) program with all the activities led by the leadership high school students.
The event also benefited from the presence of influential figures: Mr. André Fortin, Member of the National Assembly for Pontiac, Wayne Daly, former chairman of the council of commissioners of
The event also benefited from the presence of influential figures: Mr. André Fortin, Member of the National Assembly for Pontiac, Wayne Daly, former chairman of the council of commissioners of the school board, elected commissioners of the CSWQ Clément Bélanger, Cathy Goldsbrough, and Brandy Killeen; and Director of Complementary Services, Lisa Falasconi. Their support for the initiative highlighted the importance of such educational projects, which prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.
Destination Imagination is not just a competition; it is both an educational and fun experience that plays a key role in the development of young people. The program is connected to the federal government’s “Skills for Success” framework, which identifies essential skills for future jobs. These include creativity and innovation, problem-solving, collaboration, adaptability, and communication. These skills are linked to the DI program and prepare young people to excel in an ever-changing world.
The day ended with an awards ceremony. The best teams were recognized for their exceptional performances:
- The DaVinci Award
- The Renaissance Award
The winner of our Central Challenges and Instant Challenges
- The Spirit of Discovery Imagination Award
- Central Challenge – Scientific 1
- Central Challenge – Scientific 2
- Central Challenge – Technical
These awards were presented by Tracey Olsen for IC, Jeff Harvey and Wayne Daly for the scientific medals, and Wayne Daly and Member of the National Assembly André Fortin for the technical medals, adding a moment of pride and recognition for all the participants.
Finally, Lisa Diner and Steve Greig delivered a closing speech to wrap up the event, expressing their gratitude to everyone involved and sharing their ambition for next year: to organize an even bigger 15th edition, with more participants and greater logistical support.
In conclusion, the Western Québec School Board extends its congratulations to all the teams for their ingenuity and commitment. A special thank you is also extended to Lisa Diner and Steve Greig for their dedication to organizing Destination Imagination. This event continues to inspire and prepare young people for a promising future, by valuing learning through experience and creativity.
