FirstEnergy Team Wows at Corporate Soap Box Derby

The 2023 Corp Soap Box Derby team

September 5, 2023

The 2023 Corp Soap Box Derby members were:
  • Dewayne Edwards, manager, Transmission Design
  • Tara Costa, advanced business analyst
  • Jasina Chapman, contractor, Corporate Affairs & Community Involvement
  • Stephen Walters, supervisor, Regional Operations Line and Substation
  • John Huber, director, Emergency Preparedness
  • Rachel Elkins, advanced business analyst
  • Patricia Sewell, Supply Chain analyst IV
  • Idowu Oke, engineer II

The Corporate Soap Box Derby was a high-energy event that ignited the FirstEnergy team’s competitive fire as they collaborated to assemble, decorate and compete in the gravity-powered race.

The FirstEnergy team worked together to assemble their own adult Soap Box Derby car starting with the car frame. Once the frame was assembled, the team tapped into their creativity by decorating and constructing their car as an ice cream truck race car.

The construction of the derby car was a collaborative effort. John, Dewayne and Stephen played a key role in the assembly of the car, while Rachel, Tara, Jasina and Patricia assisted with purchasing items and painting and decorating. Anne and Idowu were the designated drivers.

The Soap Box Derby has been foundational to teaching young students essential skills that will help them enter the workforce in the future. The event encourages the use of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts such as critical thinking, problem-solving, research and design while promoting teamwork and good sportsmanship.

The derby car had lights and even played music. Although the FirstEnergy team did not win according to Facebook – the car received the most likes!