(LOUISVILLE, Kentucky, April 14, 2003) – The best and the brightest in their class will soon descend upon Louisville for a chance at Derby glory.

And this has little to do with horses.

More than 1,000 middle and junior varsity high school students from across the Commonwealth will compete in the annual LG&E Energy Foundation Derby Festival Academic Challenge on April 24 at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center, and April 25-26, at the Executive West Hotel. It is one of the nation's largest quick recall events.

Just like the thoroughbreds at Churchill Downs, participants have been preparing for months for this event. It promises to be a tough race with students answering more than 2,000 questions on topics such as math, science, social studies and language arts.

Past winners aren't put out to pasture. Instead, the 2002 winners, Russell County Middle School and Johnson Central High School, will have a chance to defend their titles. However, they will face stiff competition from schools representing Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Bullitt, Meade, Spencer, Hardin, Henderson and Daviess counties, just to name a few. Altogether, more than 98 teams will compete – and you thought the infield was crowded.

This is the 15th year for the official Derby Festival event, and the competition has grown from 32 teams in the first year to nearly 100 today. There are two divisions — junior varsity high school and middle school. Winning teams receive $1,000. Other awards are $500 for second place, $300 for third and $200 for fourth.

"Education offers the promise of a better life," said Chip Keeling, Vice President, LG&E Energy Foundation. "The Foundation is a partner in that promise, and sponsoring this competition reflects our firm commitment to helping young people succeed in education and in life."

Founded in 1994, the LG&E Energy Foundation is a non-profit subsidiary of LG&E Energy that presents grants to organizations that are located in the company's service area. Interested organizations should visit the foundation's website.