Honoring a Dynamic Duo: Joe and Mary Kirklewski Named 2025 Wisconsin DI Gem Award Recipients
The Destination Imagination (DI) Gem Award is a rare and meaningful honor, presented by the Destination Imagination Board of Trustees to individuals or teams who have given exceptional service and made a significant, lasting impact on the program.
This year, Wisconsin Destination Imagination is proud to recognize not just one incredible volunteer, but a dynamic pair: Joe and Mary Kirklewski—recipients of the 2025 Wisconsin Destination Imagination Gem Award.
While the Gem Award is traditionally given to individuals, Joe and Mary’s contributions to DI are so intertwined that it’s impossible to celebrate one without the other. Their shared passion, commitment, and decades of service have shaped the lives of countless students, volunteers, and DI leaders across Wisconsin—and beyond.
A Legacy of Leadership in Grafton
For over 20 years, Joe and Mary served as Team Managers in Grafton, where they helped build a thriving Destination Imagination program known for excellence and innovation. Under their guidance, teams succeeded at every level—from local tournaments to the global stage—and, more importantly, students were encouraged to grow in creativity, confidence, and collaboration.
Their mentorship didn't stop with students. Joe and Mary were always eager to support fellow Team Managers, offering guidance, encouragement, and invaluable insights gained through experience. One of their former students, Elliott Kaas, has gone on to become a highly respected DI volunteer himself—a testament to the lasting influence of their leadership.
Helping Teams Reach the World Stage
Joe and Mary’s impact extended beyond the classroom and competition. They played a critical role in fundraising—especially for teams heading to Global Finals. Their efforts included selling highly sought-after pin designs that not only helped Wisconsin teams raise money, but also fostered community and camaraderie through pin trading at Globals. Their thoughtful and generous spirit shone through even in the smallest gestures—like the time they offered the last of their pin supply to a panicked Team Manager preparing for her team’s first Global Finals.
Continuing to Serve—and Inspire
Even after retiring as Team Managers, Joe and Mary remained deeply involved in Destination Imagination. Both have served as Appraisers at Regional, Sectional, Affiliate, and Global tournaments, offering their time and expertise year after year. Joe has also taken on leadership roles as a Challenge Master for the Scientific Challenge, and together they have been steadfast volunteers at Instant Challenge workshops, sharing feedback and guidance that has helped countless teams grow and improve.
Their reliability and generosity have not gone unnoticed. Whether it’s stepping in to fill a critical role or quietly offering support behind the scenes, Mary and Joe always show up. As one Regional Director shared, “Even when Joe was suffering from debilitating headaches caused by a serious car accident, he stepped up to serve as our Regional Challenge Master. They always come through—and are always there when you need them.”
A Truly Priceless Impact
There is no accurate way to measure the full impact Joe and Mary Kirklewski have had on Destination Imagination in Wisconsin. Their dedication, warmth, and service have strengthened the program, empowered students, and uplifted volunteers for more than two decades. Their example continues to inspire everyone lucky enough to know them.
For all these reasons and more, we are thrilled to celebrate Joe and Mary Kirklewski as the 2025 recipients of the Wisconsin DI Gem Award. Congratulations to this extraordinary team—and thank you for all you’ve done to make Destination Imagination shine. 💎
Joe and Mary were nominated by Anne Coulling and presented the award at the 2025 Wisconsin Affiliate Tournament on April 6, 2025, in Sun Prairie..
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