Alpha Academy Hosts Annual Pinewood Derby Competition at Annapolis High School

Each year, the Alpha Academy Mentoring Program, sponsored by the Eta Eta Lambda Foundation, Inc., gives its mentees the chance to showcase their ingenuity, craftsmanship, and competitive spirit through the Pinewood Derby Competition.

Held at Annapolis High School, this hands-on STEM-inspired event has become a staple of the Alpha Academy experience. Mentees design, build, and race small wooden cars down a precision track—learning not only about physics and engineering, but also about patience, teamwork, and friendly competition.

This year’s derby was particularly exciting as Eta Eta Lambda’s Alpha Academy mentees competed head-to-head with mentees from Kappa Epsilon Lambda Chapter’s mentoring program. The room was filled with laughter, cheers, and anticipation as each car sped down the track, proving that success is measured not only by who wins but by the effort and creativity poured into each design.

Mentors and mentees alike enjoyed the energy of the day, reinforcing the sense of unity that defines Alpha’s commitment to developing young men of distinction.

“The Pinewood Derby is more than a race—it’s a celebration of learning, creativity, and mentorship. Each car represents hard work, imagination, and pride.”— Bro. Michael Bertty, President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fratrnity, Inc. Eta Ea Lambda Chapter

As always, the event concluded with smiles, photos, and congratulations all around—another successful day of fun, fellowship, and mentorship in motion.