By Amy Wallot
amy.wallot@education.ky.gov

What is a horse’s favorite kind of cake? Carrot cake, of course! Semple Elementary School sits three blocks from Churchill Downs in Jefferson County, so naturally the Kentucky Derby is a familiar event to Semple students.

Students in Phillip Farris’ class celebrated with a birthday party for the three-year-old horses. Activities included Kentucky Derby trivia and designing jockey silks. They also made paper mache hot air balloons like the ones used as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival. Students won small trophies, similar in shape to the Kentucky Derby winner’s trophy, by following directions of an online game and getting their horse to cross the finish line.

Phillip Farris unveils a birthday cake during a birthday party for the 3-year-old horses running in the Kentucky Derby during his class at Semple Elementary School (Jefferson County). Photo by Amy Wallot, April 26, 2013

Phillip Farris unveils a birthday cake during a birthday party for the 3-year-old horses running in the Kentucky Derby during his class at Semple Elementary School (Jefferson County).
Photo by Amy Wallot, April 26, 2013

Phillip Farris celebrates with Ali Qader after he won a horse racing game. Photo by Amy Wallot, April 26, 2013

Phillip Farris celebrates with Ali Qader after he won a horse racing game.
Photo by Amy Wallot, April 26, 2013

Teaching assistant Tara Mucker hugs Emma Morgan after she won a horse racing game. Photo by Amy Wallot, April 26, 2013

Teaching assistant Tara Mucker hugs Emma Morgan after she won a horse racing game.
Photo by Amy Wallot, April 26, 2013

Phillip Farris helps Damia Johnson attach printed jockey silks to her picture. Photo by Amy Wallot, April 26, 2013

Phillip Farris helps Damia Johnson attach printed jockey silks to her picture.
Photo by Amy Wallot, April 26, 2013

Kenly Burton flies her paper-mache hot air balloon by using a fishing pole. Photo by Amy Wallot, April 26, 2013

Kenly Burton flies her paper-mache hot air balloon by using a fishing pole.
Photo by Amy Wallot, April 26, 2013