Driven: Officers, role models teach racers life skills

Underage drivers took to the streets of Seymour for the sixth annual DARE Soap Box Derby and Car Show on Sunday afternoon.

The event began with kids participating in the DARE program and grew to involve the whole community.

Fifth-grade students at Seymour Community Schools participate in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, learning from officers and high school role models.

“We teach kids decision-making skills, so this gives the opportunity to apply some things they have learned,” Seymour Police DARE officer Tim Toborg said Sunday. “The time they spend building the car is family time.”

The event also serves as a fundraiser to generate money for the local DARE program. Racers pay entry fees to participate. Proceeds help pay for classroom materials, T-shirts for graduates and activities such as the annual bowling lock-in in January.

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