A Double Honor

Rachel at this year's Soap Box Derby

November 26, 2019

​The FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby presented two awards in recognition of our support of the event.

Rachel Oliver, associate business analyst, Reporting, was honored with a Volunteer of the Year Award, and FirstEnergy received a Sponsor of the Year Award.

Rachel has volunteered for this iconic event for four years. She was recognized for her support during the Race Week activities, coordinating and encouraging FirstEnergy employees to volunteer and for serving on the Soap Box Derby Volunteer Committee.

“I am beyond honored by this recognition,” she said. “This year I was able to volunteer at more events due to FirstEnergy’s volunteer time-off (VTO) policy. I want to continue encouraging our employees to volunteer their time for such a worthwhile organization.”

FirstEnergy’s VTO policy allows employees to volunteer for approved 501(c)3 organizations during work hours. This is the first year for VTO – and as of this month our employees have used a total of 15,650 VTO hours.

Rachel said her favorite part of volunteering for the soap box derby is the racers.

“They work so hard all year long to make it to the championship race,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see how proud they are to be there no matter if they win or lose.”

FirstEnergy was honored for our support through a new five-year sponsorship which continues the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship. In addition, the derby noted that FirstEnergy is a great partner through our grants, employee volunteers and media initiatives.

Before receiving her award, Rachel (c.) stops for a photo with Heather Morrow and Evan Gannon, Soap Box Derby staff.

Rachel also accepted the Sponsor of the Year Award on behalf of FirstEnergy. Joining Rachel are fellow award winners, l.-r.: John Petures, Akron Community Foundation, and Mike Marz, GPD Group, along with Mark Gerberich, CEO, Soap Box Derby.