The alumni from Preston Elementary’s fifth grade Soap Box Derby team received a commendation from the state legislature, Secretary of State Frank LaRose, and Gov. Mike DeWine for winning the 2021 Gravity Racing Challenge Stock Car Competition.

The ceremony was held on May 25 in Columbus at the Ohio State House with the passage of House Bill 423 of the Ohio State Legislature. The Soap Box Derby is a youth racing program that has run nationally since 1934. World Championship finals are held each July at Derby Downs in Akron.

The Gravity Racing Challenge® STEM Team Competition is designed to give teams of 2-10 students and two coaches in grades 3-12 the opportunity to assemble and race a full-size Soap Box Derby car against other schools and out-of-school time (OST) teams.

“The Preston Team is thrilled with the invitation to come to the State House to be recognized for their success with the Soap Box Derby last year,” said Preston Elementary principal Tammy Brown. “The last couple of years have been challenging in the world of education and to have the constant support of our Soap Box Derby

Students who were recognized in Columbus include:

Students with an * after their names were first place winners.