NASHUA – The Shooting Stars team from Sunset Heights Elementary School placed second in its level for its challenge solution at the Destination Imagination state tournament at Nashua High School South on Saturday, March 29.

After winning honors for creativity, teamwork and problem solving, the team earned the right to compete in the global finals from Wednesday-Saturday, May 21-24, in Knoxville, Tenn.

The Shooting Stars will be among more than 8,000 students representing more than 1,250 teams from all over the world.

Team members are Jarrod Martin, fifth grade; Hayden Brand, Abigail Finchum, Meghan Conway and Jaegen Young, fourth grade; and Adeline McGraw and Nora Schoch-Hyde, third grade. The team is managed by Brooke Schoch-Hyde and Gretchen Finchum.

The Shooting Stars will compete with other teams in the Pitch and Play Challenge, one of seven open-ended challenges that require the team to learn improvisation, project management, communication, innovation, teamwork and community service.

As part of their challenge solution, the team completed a monthlong, schoolwide food drive and made the Salvation Army Food Pantry the focus of its project. The team took a tour of the Salvation Army and learned about the history of the organization, as well as the numerous services it provides to Greater Nashua. The team delivered 624 canned food items to the Salvation Army on Thursday, March 6.

The global finals competition will include a performance by a 2013 “American Idol” contestant; exhibits by NASA, 3M, National Geographic, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Laser Pegs and Einstein in a Box; participation in a Guinness world record attempt; and access to a unique, interactive, life-size, simulated rain forest.

The Shooting Stars are involved in fundraising efforts to pay for the trip. To support the team, visit www.gofundme.com/7y6now.

As an incentive for anyone who donates at least $10, Gentle Dental of Nashua is holding a drawing for teeth whitening valued at $800.

For more information, visit facebook.com/ShootingStarsDI.