Here are the special awards presented at the California Region 11 competition held in San Jose at Independence HS on March 11, 2006.

DaVincI Award

For Outstanding Creativity

The paths we follow on our journeys were once uncharted and unknown – until someone took a bold step in a new direction and paved a way for us to follow. To solve our Challenges, imagination, creativity, originality, and courage are required.  We honor those individuals and teams who most clearly demonstrate that spirit of adventurous risk in their solutions - those who most creatively traveled to reach truly new and unique destinations.  The DaVincI Award is named to honor one of humanity's greatest creative thinkers, Leonardo Da Vinci. Medals and certificates will include an inscription of Leonardo's personal motto "Sapere Vedere" (To Know How to See) - fusing classical thought and philosophy with art and science to propose new and creative outlooks of the world.

Criteria*:

• Unique approach to solution
• Risk taking
• Outstanding creativity (not skill or talent)

* Please note: solutions need not be successful to demonstrate the attributes of creativity and risk taking.

Recipients:

• That Thing Over There
  How'd tHAT Happen?  Middle Level Team

The "Chicken" vehicle this team produced was not only pleasing to the eye but also flawless in the performance of its function.  Combining humor and design into the problem's solution, this team researched simple wheelchairs to put their device in motion.  The contraption ejected bombs (made of balloons) with multiple moving parts - both inside and out - using two four-pronged wheels, a levered "beak", an inner crank, and beady chicken eyes for good measure.  All in all, an outstanding effort.

• A.K.A. Team B.A.I.T.
  Back At You!  Middle Level Team

We saw many pneumatic solutions, but one stood out with a creative way to regulate their air pressure with strategically placed vent holes that allowed air to escape (without balls escaping :-) and thus almost yielding the consistent round-trip behavior that they needed to solve the challenge.

The Renaissance Award

For Outstanding Design, Engineering, Execution, Performance

On our journey we sometimes encounter exceptional travelers who entertain and enlighten us along the way. The Renaissance Award recognizes those among us who demonstrate extraordinary amounts of effort and preparation in their solutions or outstanding skill in engineering, design or performance. While the destination is creativity, these fellow travelers make the journey itself memorable.

Criteria:

• Outstanding skill in the areas of engineering, design, or performance

Recipients:

• Schizophrenic Enigmas
  Back At You!  Secondary Level Team

The design of the 8' by 6' by 1' deep 5 page pop-up book was impressive.  It was perfectly scaled for the team to act as live characters in the book.  Watching the team roll the book into the launch area, we did not guess it held all the props for the performance.  The chair that they sat on, stairs that they climbed, and balcony they stood in popped out as the book was turned to that page in the story, then folded back in as the page was turned and the story progressed.

• StranDId in a Trumpet
  How'd tHAT Happen?  Secondary Level Team

The appraisers were surprised to learn that back in 1966, in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Hell actually froze over!  With a cleverly designed styrofoam and PVC pipe "Hellelevator", Satan himself convinced the Russians to sign a peace agreement.  Appearing to burst out of the ground, Satan's arrival seemed like the best of Hollywood's special effects.

• Las Chicas Amigas
  How'd tHAT Happen?  Middle Level Team

This team put together a fruit stand that was so realistic I almost ate one.  The appraiser team was unanimous and most enthusiastic in extolling the remarkable beauty, precision, and appearance of the open-air Spanish market.  The oranges, tomatoes, and bananas looked like they had come right out of the fields - and yet they were made with nothing more than paint and newspaper.  Amazing!  We wouldn't be surprised if one or more members of this team goes on to become a professional set designer.  Excellent work!

• Miller Middle School
  Inside DImension  Middle Level Team

The team created a sophisticated and innovative backdrop system.  This masterpiece allowed the team to easily transport the system as well as fit through doorways.  Once on stage, it opened like a sail that supported beautiful painted panels.  It was an extremely creative combination of hinges, weight, and hardware that worked flawlessly together to produce an inventive, efficient, elegant, and functional backdrop.

Spirit of Discovery & Imagination Award

“Spirit of DI”
For exceptional Spirit, Teamwork, Volunteerism and Sportsmanship

From its very beginning, Destination ImagiNation® has been a community. The recipients of this award are the ones who go out of their way to help others, making sacrifices not for themselves, but to give something to someone else. We recognize and applaud these members of our community who demonstrate outstanding and extraordinary levels of sportsmanship, volunteerism and spirit, be they Team Managers, Team Members, Officials or other helpful DI friends and volunteers.

Criteria:

• This award is given in recognition of those who act as superior role models in the areas of spirit, sportsmanship, and volunteerism.

Recipient:

• Them Stumpy Chickens
  Instant Challenge  Secondary Level Team

This group was extremely energetic and were clearly having fun presenting their solution.  Everyone was participating excitedly and all input was considered and productive.  This team was very passionate.  In addition, Them Stumpy Chickens had a creative and successful solution.  Them Stumpy Chickens STUMPED the challenge.

This group was having fun while doing their challenge.  They were able to work seamlessly together while making jokes and obviously enjoying the process.  Even when they had only 30 seconds left they decided to create an additional element to aesthetically enhance their solution.

• Anirudh Sreekrishan
  Instant Challenge  Individual

This former team member went above & beyond his volunteer responsibilities as a photographer by pitching in to help at Instant Challenge check-in and holding area.  He ended up doing the check-in job by himself in the last 45 minutes of the day.  When he wasn't taking pictures, he offered to help the IC appraisers & did a variety of miscellaneous jobs including clean-up.

Rising Stars Award

This award recognizes the courageous, curious and joyous first steps in the journey of life-long learning.

Criteria:

• All Primary Teams who demonstrate a solution at a tournament.

Recipients:

• Teams
  • Panthers - George C. Payne Elementary 3 panthers
  • Power Ranger - Collins Elementary