MADISON – More than 30 energetic problem-solvers from Bob Jones High School and Discovery Middle School and Horizon Elementary School will represent the City of Madison and the State of Alabama at the 2018 Destination Imagination Global Finals.

All six teams achieved first-place finishes at the Destination Imagination Alabama State Tournament. These teams faced 20-plus Alabama schools to solve mind-bending challenges in STEAM categories (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).

Madison DI teams will join about 8,000 students from 48 states and 15 countries on May 23-26 to compete at the University of Tennessee. “DI teams are not given any financial support from our schools or school district and rely on parent and community support to pay for supplies, equipment, competition fees, travel and other expenses,” Robin Dauma said.

Dauma sponsors DI teams at Bob Jones and Discovery. Beth Bero sponsors Horizon’s team.

“The minimal cost for each person to attend globals is $750. To give these students the most beneficial experience, we conduct several fundraisers,” Dauma said.

On May 5, Bob Jones, Discovery and Horizon DI students will sponsor a pancake breakfast at Applebee’s, 302 Hughes Road. Served from 7 to 9:30 a.m., breakfast will include pancakes, sausage and choice of beverage for $5. DI members will gladly accept tips.

A rummage sale on May 12 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be held in Bob Jones cafeteria. Individuals can donate items on May 11 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tax letters will be available.

A car wash at Bob Jones on May 12 will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The requested donation is $5. Also on May 12, students will host a plant sale.

“We’re conducting an online auction that will feature products and experiences we hope people will find exciting and useful,” Dauma said. “We’re seeking donations from local vendors, businesses or residents.” The auction will be open until May 9 at 9 p.m. Visit www.32auctions.com/bjhs_dms_di_globals_2018.

The DI teams need donations of gift cards, meal certificates, gift baskets, furniture, tools, grills, movie and recreational tickets, hotel lodging and spa certificates. To donate auction items, call Cynthia Heath at 256-520-3739 or email cynthia.d.heath@gmail.com.

Individuals can mail cash donations to Bob Jones, Attention: Robin Dauma, 650 Hughes Road, Madison AL 35758.