Competing in the 15th annual First Energy All-American Soap Box Derby, held June 17 in Cookeville, were brothers Ethan Spears and Kaleb Spears of Smithville. Ethan was the driver of the Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System sponsored Stock Division racer.  Kaleb competed in the Westside Motors of Cookeville Super Stock racer. The boys built their cars with the help of their parents Jonathan and Cristy Spears in the weeks leading up to the race.  

The annual “gravity powered” event is orchestrated annually by the Cookeville Police Department, Cookeville Police Athletic League, Cookeville Kiwanis Club, and City of Cookeville. 

The mission of the All-American Soap Box Derby Program is to educate and inspire youth through fair and honest competition and mentorship.  With a primary goal to advance family values, the AASBD provides an environment in which parents, or mentors, work hands-on with racers to instill basic skills of workmanship, the spirit of competition and the perseverance to complete a project from start to finish.

The AASBD serves international youth, ages 7 – 18, and embraces diversity, facilitates lifelong friendships, teaches the application of math and science concepts and advocates the true spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship.

The All-American Soap Box Derby Program (AASBD) is administered by the International Soap Box Derby, Inc. (ISBD), a not-for-profit educational organization. To find out more about the All American Soap Box Derby and how to get involved, log on to www.AASBD.org.