IDAHO, USA — The Idaho Transportation Department and Idaho Department of Education announced they are hosting the first annual “Name a Snowplow” contest.
Starting October 1, eighth-grade students are invited to participate with their classrooms and submit names for the machines.
“Our snowplow drivers are very thankful to schools that are able to join this fun educational opportunity and help increase winter driving safety awareness!” ITD Chief Operations Officer and Deputy Director Dan McElhinney said.
The transportation department will rename two plows in each of Idaho’s six regions.
After the submission deadline of October 31, ITD employees will begin voting on the submitted names on November 1.
Winning names will be displayed directly on the blades of ITD plows, with winners awarded a visit to their school by that plow and driver to talk about winter safety.
“This contest is such a fun way to engage students with a safety message that’s essential to our young drivers, especially as the weather cools and winter approaches,” Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield said. “I’m grateful for the partnership with the Idaho Transportation Department and am definitely looking forward to seeing some student-named plows on the road this winter.”
According to contest rules, submissions must be appropriate and have a max of 15 characters (including spaces).
Contest entries will be accepted through October and the winning names will be announced in December.
Homeschools and private schools can get involved in the contest by sending an email to itdcommunication@itd.idaho.gov.