For families across Cypress and the broader Cy-Fair area, the recent success of Cypress Ranch High School and Sprague Middle School students at the Destination Imagination (DI) Lone Star Finals represents more than a competition win—it highlights the growing strength of local schools in fostering innovation, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving skills. With nine CFISD teams now advancing to the Global Finals in Kansas City from May 21–24, the achievement is drawing attention as one of the district’s strongest showings in recent years.

Held April 11 in Arlington, the Destination Imagination Lone Star Finals brought together some of the most creative student teams in Texas. Among them, students from Sprague Middle School and Cypress Ranch High School stood out not only for their technical abilities, but for their imagination and collaboration under pressure—skills that continue to shape student success well beyond the classroom.

Sprague Middle School Team Earns Renaissance Award for Creativity and Teamwork

The Sprague Middle School team, Cypress Problem Solvers—comprised of Manav Rajashekar, Atharv Komirelly, Priyanka Chinta and Sivaharsan Selladurai—captured first place in the “Casting Shadows” challenge. With only two minutes to prepare, the team created a skit using props and shadow effects, impressing judges with both creativity and execution.

Their performance earned the prestigious Renaissance Award, recognizing “exceptional skill and preparation of their solution.” By incorporating cardboard props and even colored shadow effects, the team demonstrated a level of innovation that set them apart.

“This Sprague team was the epitome of teamwork, and they showcased the true spirit of Destination Imagination,” said Michele Krimsky, CFISD’s DI facilitator. “They brought together all the elements we expect to see–creativity, engineering, problem solving and teamwork. Walking into the room, the team was polite and personable. They were a joy to watch and represented CFISD so well.”

Cypress Ranch High School Teams Shine Across Multiple Challenges

Cypress Ranch High School students also delivered an impressive performance, with multiple teams earning top placements and special recognition.

The team known as The All-Stars—Gitali Yempati, Saanvi Khare, Likhitha Pothireddy, Srinitha Pathala, Anwita Paleti and Vaishnavi Anand—qualified for the Global Finals in two separate challenges. They secured second place in the “Win it Big” challenge, where they developed and presented an original game show concept.

In the “Becoming Super” challenge, the team took third place and earned the DaVinci Award, which honors outstanding creativity and design. Their performance featured elaborate stage makeup, costumes, and a rotating, moving background that elevated their storytelling.

“The Cy Ranch team spent months preparing to compete in two different challenges, while juggling the demands of high school,” Krimsky said. “The team was a standout among appraisers and impressed the appraisers so much with their creativity, technical skills and amazing props.”

Another Cypress Ranch team, Team Ask Me—Kayla Baba, Emily Fraser, Haley Griffin and Samantha Mosier—also claimed a first-place finish in the “Casting Shadows” challenge, further reinforcing the school’s depth of talent.

Nine CFISD Teams Advance to Destination Imagination Global Finals

The success extends beyond individual campuses, with nine teams from across Cypress-Fairbanks ISD advancing to the Destination Imagination Global Finals—marking the district’s highest level of participation in several years.

These teams have been developing their solutions since September, dedicating months to refining their ideas, building props, and practicing presentations. The advancing teams include:

Warner Elementary School (Inventive Warriors); Warner Elementary School (Time Legends); Anthony Middle School (The Steminists); Smith Middle School (Ideas R Us); Smith Middle School (Stellar Squad); Sprague Middle School (Cypress Problem Solvers); Bridgeland High School (The Athenas); Cypress Ranch High School (Team Ask Me); and Cypress Ranch High School (The All-Stars).

Why This Matters for Cypress and Cy-Fair Communities

Programs like Destination Imagination continue to play a critical role in preparing students for future careers by emphasizing STEM education, creative thinking, and collaboration—skills increasingly valued in today’s workforce. For Cypress-area families, these achievements reflect the strength of local schools and the opportunities available to students willing to explore innovation beyond traditional academics.

The visibility of CFISD students on a global stage also reinforces community pride, showcasing what local schools can accomplish with strong support from educators, parents, and volunteers.

What’s Next: Global Finals in Kansas City

With the Global Finals scheduled for May 21–24 in Kansas City, Missouri, these student teams will soon compete against top qualifiers from around the world. For many, it will be their first opportunity to represent Cypress-Fairbanks ISD on an international level.

As these students prepare for the next stage, their journey serves as a reminder of what’s possible when creativity, dedication, and community support come together.

Residents looking to follow the teams’ progress or learn more about Destination Imagination in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD are encouraged to stay connected with school updates and district communications.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for continued coverage of local student achievements and community milestones across Cypress and Northwest Houston.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.