Wayne Miller Sportsmanship Award

    In 1966, a 10-year-old Houlton boy traveled to Brewer to compete in the state All-American Soap Box Derby finals.
    Much to his surprise and his family’s, he cleverly steered his homemade derby car to the finish line … heat after heat … until he captured the flag, as the overall winner of the Maine Soap Box Derby.
    The victory earned Houlton’s Wayne Miller, son of Hal and Vivian Miller, a spot in the All-American Derby Race in Akron, Ohio.
    The weeklong experience in Akron was to be the dream of any young boy or girl who has ever competed in a Soap Box Derby.
    Miller’s entire family went with him to Akron as his cheering section.
    Even though he didn’t win the big race, he came home a “hero” in the eyes of family, friends and his community.
    Tragically, Miller was killed in a construction accident early in his life.
    If he were alive today, he would be one of the biggest supporters of Soap Box Derby racing.
    The first Soap Box Derby Race in Houlton was dedicated to Miller’s memory.
    To honor Miller, a trophy has been named in his honor — the Wayne Miller Sportsmanship Award — and is one of the highly-coveted awards at the local race.