Need for speed: Pathways Elementary hosts its annual derby

The Pathways Elementary tradition returned for the 18th year.

By Suzanne McCarthy
| 10:30 a.m. May 23, 2023

Andreya Lisle, of team “The Popo Locos." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Jaelyn Hawryluk, of team “The Popo Locos." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Harry Littlebird, of “Team Demolition Dudes #1." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Caitlyn Barnes, of team “We are Bears." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Christian Stephens and Liam Wilson, of team “The Rough Riders." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Chloe Thomas and Camellia Resendez, of team “This Girl Is On Fire." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Caitlyn Barnes and Maddie Beerson, of team “We are Bears." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Alvin Tran and Jaden VanSlyke, of team “The Flaming Slow Bros." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Kennadi Robbins and Addison Leleille, of team “Derby Divas." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Aiden Rogers, of “Team Demolition Dudes #1." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Marie Neal, of team “Hamiltoneers." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Maddie Beerson, of team “We are Bears." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Ben Thompson, of team “Ormond Road Runners." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Alvin Tran, of team “The Flaming Slow Bros." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Jaden VanSlyke, of team “The Flaming Slow Bros,” is assisted by Rylie “Maverick” George. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Pathways Principal Joshua Jackson speaks during the annual school derby. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Christian Stephens and Liam Wilson, of team “The Rough Riders." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Izzy Hans and Cami Imhoff, of team “The Candy Cuties." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Lorelei Scavilla, of team “Flower Power ‘70s." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Emily Howe, of team “Derby Ducks." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Alvin Tran and Jaden VanSlyke, of team “The Flaming Slow Bros." Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Taylor Rybicki and Violet Smith, of team “Speed Angels.” Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Pathways teacher Matt Coleman, who organizes the derby every year, speaks during the race on Friday, May 19. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Taylor Rybicki and Violet Smith, of team “Speed Angels," won third place in the derby's drift race. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

The winners of this year's Pathways Derby. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Pathways Elementary students await for the start of the derby. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

The air was electric at Pathways Elementary on Friday, May 19, as students lined up their cars for the 18th annual fifth-grade derby.

First up was the Derby Car Parade, where teams showed off their derby car creations. Kindergarten through fifth grade students and parents lined the route applauding their favorite teams.

The “Pathways Mega Annual Most Spectacular Awe Inspiring Fifth Grade Derby” consisted of two drift races down a ramp, with each driver taking a turn.

There was also a push race around an oval where the driver and the pusher switched halfway through the course. Students competed in “future” cars, which are new to the derby, and “classic” cars, which have been in the derby in the past.

Race director and Pathways Teacher of the Year Matt Coleman assisted drivers at the top of the ramp as they drifted down and rolled to a stop. Coleman, who teaches third grade, announced the winners for each race, and the awards for design and spirit.

DRIFT RACE (Classic)