Wauconda man honored as volunteer for Soap Box Derby
Justin Bender, 20, of Wauconda is one of four volunteers of the Soap Box Derby program who have been selected to receive the President's Youth Volunteer Service Award, which recognizes volunteers under the age of 21 who have made a positive impact on the Soap Box Derby through their leadership on the local, regional and national levels.
"All four of our 2021 award winners are longtime Soap Box Derby competitors who are giving back to the program through their support in promoting and staging their local races and by mentoring other participants who are new to racing," said Mark Gerberich, president and chief executive officer of International Soap Box Derby.
Bender began racing in the McHenry Soap Box Derby's Stock division in 2009 and won the local Stock title in 2014. He moved to the Greater Chicago program in 2015 to begin Super Stock and Masters competition.
Bender was Chicago Super Stock champion in 2016 and has participated in the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby as a Rally champion in Super Stock or Masters division every year since 2017.
Bender has assisted in setting up and tearing down both the McHenry and Chicago racecourses, encourages younger racers, and promotes Soap Box Derby participation through media interviews, displays and presentations. He was home-schooled and currently works at a sports club.
The International Soap Box Derby is a nonprofit youth education and leadership development organization whose mission is to build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through fair and honest racing competitions, STEM curriculums, and other community-focused activities.
The Derby's core values include: youth education and leadership development; family engagement and enrichment; honesty, integrity and perseverance; innovation and entrepreneurship; teamwork and collaboration; mentoring; volunteerism; and commitment to community.
The Derby's two youth initiatives are the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby racing program and the STEM-based Education Program, which provides educational opportunities for K-12 youth worldwide through Soap Box Derby racing.
The Derby dates back to 1934, when the first All-American race was held in Dayton, Ohio. For more information, visit www.soapboxderby.org.
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