PORT JERVIS, NY — The Port Jervis Soap Box Derby was back in action recently as 75 children competed to become one of the city’s champions. 

Kids as young as eight and as old as 20 competed in four divisions: Stock, Super Stock, Super Kids and Masters. The kids race specific kinds of cars depending on the division, and they assemble their cars, making Soap Box Derby a STEM activity.

Throughout the day, the young people tucked into their cars, got as low as possible and raced as fast as gravity would let them while they steered toward the finish line. Hundreds of spectators and vendors lined the streets to cheer on the competitors.

Justin Hadden, 11, won for the third year in a row, this time in the Masters Division. He completed the derby’s trifecta, having won in all three divisions he was eligible to drive in. 

Also joining Justin in the victory lane were Giada Donado, 14, in the Super Stock Division; Isabella Silva, 14, in the Super Kids Division; and Colton Malone, 11, in the Stock Division. 

All four will now travel to Ohio to represent Port Jervis in the International Soap Box Derby in July.  

During opening ceremonies this year, the derby honored the gentleman responsible for the rebirth of the Port Jervis Soap Box Derby 25 years ago—William Hockenberry and his wife Barbara. The City of Port Jervis named Sussex Street, which is where the derby takes place each year, “Hockenberry Hill” in memory of the local businessman. 

Since then, thousands of children have had a chance to race in the derby. Hockenberry Hill is where the derby will take place from now on.  

The 2024 Port Jervis Soap Box Derby was presented by Tri-State Drywall and Acoustical. It was supported by several other generous sponsors, including Little Pediatrics and O’Connor Urgent Care, M&T Bank, Cornerstone Family Healthcare, All-County Mechanical Plumbing & Heating, Quick Insurance, Payne Team Real Estate, Goosetown Communications and the Outdoor Club of Port Jervis.  

On hand at the opening ceremonies was New York State Sen. James Skoufis, who represents Port Jervis in Albany. Mr. Skoufis presented a check for $5,000 to the derby and commended its efforts in youth empowerment.

“These dollars are so important to our derby and our kids,” said derby director Billy McKerrell. “We are grateful for this and for the support of our sponsors and volunteers. It was a fantastic day and a fantastic derby. We couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

This year’s race results:

Super Stock

Champion: Giada Donado, 14

Second place: Robert Donato, 10

Third place: Evalina Kraycer, 14

Fourth place: Mason Mastro, 13

Super Kids

Champion: Isabella Silva, 14

Second place: Lyla San Suci, 8

Third place: Lucy McDermott, 16

Fourth place: Erin Brown, 20

Masters

Champion: Justin Hadden, 11

Second place: Cody Russman, 16

Third place: Matteo Colon, 14

Fourth place: Grace Malzahn, 18

Stock

Champion: Colton Malone, 11

Second place: Khloe Babcock, 9

Third place: Jazmyn Hedges, 12

Fourth place: Eliza Lehn, 9