Colt Elementary families continue soapbox tradition

By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula

Building and racing soapboxes is an endeavor chock full of lessons: academic, social and even emotional.

Colt Elementary fourth and fifth-graders gathered Wednesday, May 27, to race soapboxes down 688 feet of Manzano Mile in Marble Falls, in what has become a school tradition at least five years old.

Twelve fourth graders raced soapboxes they had built with the help of family and friends.

Students admired and critiqued each other’s rigs before the race that pitted pairs of students against each other for a chance at one of three trophies, as well as bragging rights in fifth grade next year. 

The soapbox tradition involves fifth graders who participated the previous year. The “helpers” stand on the sideline ready to assist the fourth-grade daredevils with a push.

The helpers watch the races with the keen eyes of soapbox veterans.

Helper Tyler Schumacher watched fellow student Gabriel Davis, astride his soapbox with the grace and poise of an equestrian on a dressage horse, but falling behind. Fellow student Jake Jones was in the lead, demonstrating his NASCAR spirit with his head thrust forward.

However, the faster student spun out near the finish line, allowing Davis to cruise to a win.

“Looks like the tortoise won, slow and steady,” Schumacher said. 

For the full story and more photos, see Friday's Highlander.