Local rising fifth grader is headed for a trip to remember
Bridget Murray will compete in the American Soap Box Derby
Bridget Murray, a rising local fifth grader who attends C. E. Curtis Elementary School, is about to go on the trip of a life time – to race in the national All American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio. As a first time competitor in the local Richmond Soap Box Derby on Saturday June 5, 2010, at the Richmond International Raceway Complex, Bridget was surprised to emerge the winner in her division. “We were so excited when my employer, the Allen & Allen Law Firm, offered to sponsor Bridget in the Derby – she had never done anything like this before,” said Bridget’s mother LeeAnn Murray. “While our hopes for her were high on race day, we never imagined that she would be the local winner!”
With her family and supporters rallying behind her, Bridget raced in the Stock Car Division with other competitors ranging in age from 8 to 13 years old. After a long day of racing with many heats only fractions of a second apart, Bridget couldn’t stop smiling as she was being presented with a trophy almost as tall as she is. Her first question to her mother was, “Can I please race again next year?”
The personal injury law firm of Allen & Allen and the Allen family have a long history of support for the local Soap Box Derby. “I’m excited to see the tradition of the Soap Box Derby carried on in our staff and their families. My four children and many of my nieces and nephews have competed since our law firm got involved over 10 years ago – my nephew Scott, now a summer associate with us, traveled to Akron as a local winner twice, and my nephew Carter Allen was also a first time winner who went to Akron,” said attorney Courtney Van Winkle. “We are all behind Bridget and her family, and very pleased with her success.”
Bridget will head to Akron on Sunday, July 18th with her mom and family for a whole week of Soap Box Derby activities – including a parade recognizing the Derby racers and a baseball game honoring the competitors. On Saturday July 24th, Bridget will compete among nearly 500 youth from 40 states as well as Canada, Germany, Japan and New Zealand, in the 73rd All American Soap Box Derby national championship.
