2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25100169D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 486

Offered January 14, 2025

Commending Caleb Gilbert.

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Patron—Runion

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WHEREAS, Caleb Gilbert, an eighth-grade student at Shelburne Middle School in Staunton, won first place in the local super stock division at the 86th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship held at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio, in July 2024; and

WHEREAS, Caleb Gilbert advanced to compete in the All-American Soap Box Derby after winning the Harrisonburg Soap Box Derby earlier in the season, and he is notably the first racer from the city to bring home a soap box derby world championship; and

WHEREAS, Caleb Gilbert outpaced 67 other racers to claim victory at the All-American Soap Box Derby event, demonstrating exceptional passion, focus, and determination in the pursuit of his dreams; and

WHEREAS, Caleb Gilbert's triumph is the culmination of four years of hard work, a journey that included a national rally stock points championship and a third place finish in the rally stock division at the All-American Soap Box Derby in 2023; and

WHEREAS, the car used by Caleb Gilbert to secure his first place finish at the All-American Soap Box Derby has been placed in the International Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio, preserving the memory of his historic win for years to come; and

WHEREAS, Caleb Gilbert's achievements are the result of his tireless dedication and the unwavering support of his family and the entire Staunton community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Caleb Gilbert for winning first place in the local super stock division at the 86th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Caleb Gilbert as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his accomplishments and best wishes for his continued success.