Friday marked the annual Early Childhood Center’s Derby Day with the running of the stick horses. For several years, the ECC has set aside time on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby as a chance for the students and parents to move the classroom outside for a little physical education, as well as teaching the young students about Kentucky’s signature sporting event.

This year’s feature had seven races, one of which resulted in a tie, or “dead heat” and forced a run-off race in order to have six clear winners, one from each kindergarten class.

Above, Mrs. Lisa Smith’s class saw several horses make the way toward the finish line. Middle right, students awaited their turn near the track Friday as the races got underway.

Bottom right, the Clinton County High School Band, under the direction of Doug Sell, came out to play “My Old Kentucky Home” and the call to post at the beginning of the seven races.

Winners for each class included, Dakota Denney – Mrs. Tammy Cook’s class, Addison Weston – Mrs. Jamie Cooksey’s class, Jayden Adkins – Mrs. Jackie Frye’s class, Jaxon Albertson – Mrs. Tracy Goodman’s class, Jagger Dalton – Mrs. Tiffany Norris’ class, Marcus Riddle – Mrs. Patricia Riddle’s class and Zackary Marcum – Mrs. Lisa Smith’s class.