Submitted Photo

Portsmouth Soap Box Derby winner Cassidy Book being honored on the floor of the Ohio House of Representatives on Feb. 15th.

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Special to the Daily Times

COLUMBUS—Portsmouth Soap Box Derby winner Cassidy Book was honored on the floor of the Ohio House of Representatives Feb. 15. Over 50 champions who competed in the Soap Box Derby World Championship in Akron on July 23 were present with their parents.

“I understand that among the parents is former State Representative Todd Book, a good friend to many of us here, and his daughter Cassidy,” said the Speaker of the House Bill Batchelder. “Congratulations to you, and thank you for being with us in the House.”

Cassidy finished in 6th place out of 112 in the stock division at the Championship in Akron eliminating racers from Alaska, California, Rhode Island and Washington D.C. among others.

“I am very proud of this young lady,” said State Representative Terry Johnson (R-McDermott). “Anytime someone can compete in a national competition and excel in the way she has, it is well worth honoring.”

Book discribed her experience with soap box racing.

“It is a lot of fun,” said Book. “Every race is different, but it always feels like flying.”

The Civic Forum conducts the Local Soap Box Race in the Spring of each year. The local winners qualify to compete in Akron. After a long hiatus, this was the third year for the local race.