So many volunteers. So many people putting their kids first. Supporting creativity and freedom of expression. Supporting each other.
Sooooooo many creative kids! I saw astronauts, formal dresses, duct tape shirts, excellent rainbow striped socks, etc. And smiles everywhere.
Our team was supported by so many people that came to attend and watch, and also by so many people from afar. Two team members were on a school trip in Florida but kept checking in to see how things were going.
My wife continues to support me in every way imaginable. I am blessed.
So many things that I will always treasure. And these three magical moments...
We were waiting for our first central challenge, Wind Visible, and Mary, Jessica and I were talking away our nerves. I want around the corner to check on the team and the five of them were in a circle, hands clasped, praying. Each of them taking turns expressing their thanks and asking God to bless their team and all that were participating on that day. These young adults lead me every time I am around them.
Jessica went in with the team for their second instant challenge. Only one team manager can go in and I had attended their first. The team always excels at the instant challenges. I have heard other teams express frustration that they do not do well in instant challenges, but this team has always risen to a different level in this area. Jessica came out after the challenge and joined me in the hallway. She said they had done well but we couldn't talk about it in any detail. When the team came out of the chill room after debriefing on the challenge for a few minutes, they came walking up the hallway towards us. It was like a scene from a movie. These five young adults, so grown up, and with smiles from ear to ear. It was obvious how confident they were, and how much fun they were having. It was also obvious that something amazing had happened during that instant challenge.
When the awards ceremony began, they started by saying that had a DaVinci award to give out. This award goes to a team nominated by the judges due to their exceptional creativity. I started videotaping the kids from sitting on the floor with them. I wanted to capture their reactions if they in fact were the recipients. And they were! They won the award for what they did in that second instant challenge. I can't talk about it in detail due to the rules of DI, but it was their ability to create a story and spontaneously support each other that paved the way. So amazing!
We are moving towards the state tournament now. It will be a challenge due to the busy schedules of these youngsters. We already know of solo and ensemble, prom, and closing night of a play that will cause conflicts for some team members. But we see the opportunity also. More time together in practices. And a chance to make a run at returning to globals.
