My name is Ben. I am currently a senior in college, double majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Entertainment
Design & Technology. I have been actively involved in Destination ImagiNation in the Southside region of Virginia since
the fifth grade.
I have competed at the regional tournament 6 times, moved on to the affiliate tournament 4 times, and
competed at Global Finals once. Around 2006, I developed a strong interest in Instant Challenge. I acted as an assistant
Team Manager for 4 Elementary Level DI teams over my last two years of high school, primarily focusing on Instant Challenge
training. I have also provided direct assistance with Instant Challenge training of about 3 other Elementary teams.
I have been somewhat of a team manager to 4 of my own Destination ImagiNation teams, and I more or less acted as the school
coordinator at my high school.
During my senior year in high school, I decided that I have competed in enough Destination ImagiNation
events for now, and decided to help out by appraising. Since then, I have appraised the Instant Challenge four times
at regional tournaments, once at the DIVA affiliate tournament, and once at Global Finals. I have also volunteered as
a stuDIo Appraiser for Chorific! at the DIVA affiliate tournament, and helped run the Chill Out Room at Global Finals.
2011-12 will be my second season as the Challenge Master for the Instant Challenge at the
Tidewater Regional Tournament, and my first season as an affiliate board member in Virginia. I plan to appraise at
a minumum of four tournaments this season.
What else do you do?
Well, for one thing, I make roller coasters out of pretzels.
I have also been known to write scripts, build sets, execute special effects, and make puppets.
