Back row left to right: Rowan Kim Piqusch, Lily Strobel, Chandler Strobel. Front row left to right: Parker Lewis, Valentina Almanza, Coy Cooke

(Photos provided by Kent Gibbons. Article written by Heidi Gibbons)

The annual Scouting America Headwaters District Pinewood Derby was held at the Alpine Civic Center on February 22, 2025. Twenty-two racers, ages 5-11, hailing from Jackson Hole to Star Valley to Driggs, went head to head in a speed test down a four lane wooden track.

After several exciting heats, the race times were finalized with three championship winners. In first place was Rowan Kim Piqusch, a Tiger Scout from Pack #67, with an average scale speed of 181.78mph. In second place was Lily Strobel, a Bear Scout from Pack #1307, with an average scale speed of 181.81mph. In third place was Chandler Strobel, a Webelos Scout from Pack #1307, with an average scale speed of 182.13 mph. Runners up followed closely behind with Valentina Almanza (182.57mph), Stuart Bradley (183.25 mph), Mills Woodford (183.32 mph), Hollis Evans (184.56 mph), Parker Lewis (185.76 mph), Odin Sudemeier (186.15 mph), Coy Cooke (187.28 mph) and Tyler Gibbons (188.33 mph).

Car Design and Artistry was another category of competition. In first place was Parker Lewis, a Bear Scout from Pack #67, with his No. 67 pencil car. In second place was Valentina Almanza, a Webelos Scout from Pack #67, with her Moana themed seascape car. In third place was Coy Cooke, a Bear Scout from Pack #185, with his tiger stripe themed car. The speed race was officiated by Larnell Cleverley, Cliff Kirkpatrick, Leslie Jones, Marc Speth and Gary Edington.

The Master of Ceremonies for the event was Karen Hibbert. The Car Design and Artistry competition was judged by Afton Jones. Beautiful wooden plaques were constructed and provided by Gary Edington for all district winners. All scouters cut, built and designed their own cars with parental help and advice. Cars were constructed from the official Pinewood Derby car kits available for purchase at any local scout shop. The event was preceded by a pizza party that was enjoyed by all contestants and parents.

The Headwaters District is a part of the Teton Council of the Scouting America program.