Streetsboro student Matthew Mohr had a summer to remember, taking his Soap Box Derby racing from a school competition all the way to the world championship in Akron.  Mohr began the summer by competing in the Gravity Racing Challenge in May, where he placed third among all participating schools. The experience inspired him to keep racing.

In June, Mohr entered a local qualifier and defeated the previous year's winner to become the local champion. The victory earned him a spot in the 88th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championships in Akron.

At the World Championships on July 18, Mohr raced his way into the top 20 in the world. His run ended against the eventual world champion, who captured the title for the third consecutive year.

Mohr returned to competition August 8 for a regional All-Star race, where he finished seventh. His only loss came against another world champion from a different division.

While Mohr’s success on the track was impressive, those who watched him compete were equally proud of the way he represented Streetsboro.

Throughout the summer, Mohr made a point of wishing his competitors good luck before races and talking with them afterward, regardless of who won. His sportsmanship also caught the attention of race officials. Directors at both the international and regional competitions got to know Mohr and frequently stopped to talk with him during the events.

Mohr’s racing success also had help from his classmates and his teacher, Mr. Moulton. Special congratulations go to Streetsboro's seventh-grade STEM students who built the Soap Box Derby car that carried Mohr through his summer of racing. Mr. Moulton also supported him every step of the way.