On August 11, 2022, the Western Reserve Hospital Senior Coalition sponsored Senior Day at the Soap Box Derby in Akron. The Western Reserve Hospital Senior Coalition is a group of local professionals dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors in Northeast Ohio. 

Over 300 Seniors attended the event, receiving a lunch and a ride down the 989-foot track at Derby Downs. 

Two ladies stood out in the crowd that day - Julie Callahan and Nancy Ferruccio. 

Julie McCoy, now Julie Callahan, rode down the hill for the first time during Senior Day, 72 years after her first attempt. In 1950 at 11 years old, she tried participating in the derby, but no one would sell her tires for her car. At this time, only boys were allowed to participate.

Girls would be admitted 21 years later, in 1971. Nancy Ferruccio, the first girl to participate in the local derby in 1971, attended the event and rode down the hill once again.

Over 35 senior-dedicated organizations sponsored the event, providing information and giveaways as seniors enjoyed the all-day event. 

For more stories about this day, click the links below: 
Akron Beacon Journal
Spectrum News
Fox 8 News