The annual Kootaga District Pinewood Derby, held at the College Activities Center of West Virginia University at Parkersburg, brought together young scouts from eight different packs for an exhilarating day of competition. This event allowed participants to display their engineering skills and creativity through custom-built pinewood cars. Kennedy Mahoney from Pack 91 emerged as the champion, setting a new course record with a time of 3.1092 seconds, equivalent to a scaled speed of 230 mph. The event not only celebrated individual achievements but also fostered camaraderie among the scouts.

Saturday saw the College Activities Center transformed into a bustling hub of excitement as scouts gathered to showcase their handmade vehicles. Each participant had meticulously crafted their car, adhering to strict regulations designed to ensure fair competition. Scoutmaster Alan Campbell emphasized that these guidelines were in place to provide a level playing field while encouraging innovation and problem-solving. Participants competed in four heats, with times meticulously recorded to determine the overall winner.

Kennedy Mahoney's victory was particularly noteworthy. Her precise alignment of the car before each race played a crucial role in her success. The young competitor's meticulous attention to detail resulted in a remarkable performance, breaking the previous course record and securing first place. Her achievement highlighted the importance of precision and dedication in achieving excellence.

Beyond the competitive aspect, the event served as a platform for building friendships across different scout packs. Marketing and communications volunteer Kathy Wise noted that despite challenges posed by recent events, interest in scouting has been on the rise. The district welcomed two new packs from Ripley and Grantsville, signaling a positive trend. Wise stressed that the primary focus remained on providing meaningful experiences for the children involved.

The day concluded with a celebratory atmosphere as the top performers were recognized. Winners Noah Moyers, Andrian Kanitz, Jace Mercer, and Kennedy Mahoney stood proudly alongside their accomplishments. The event underscored the values of teamwork, creativity, and perseverance, leaving a lasting impression on all participants and spectators alike.