New Philadelphia, Ohio – Students across eastern Ohio are being given a chance to combine creativity with community pride as the Ohio Department of Transportation prepares to launch its annual Paint-the-Plow contest. The program, organized by ODOT District 11, invites schools and vocational student groups to take part in decorating snowplow blades that will later be used during winter road operations.
Applications for this year’s contest are currently being accepted and will remain open until Friday, March 13. Officials say the program provides a fun opportunity for students to show their artistic skills while also learning about road safety and the important role snowplows play during winter storms.
Students invited to paint plow blades for annual contest
The contest is open to schools and vocational programs located within ODOT District 11’s nine-county service region. Eligible counties include Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, and Tuscarawas Counties, along with others served within the district. According to transportation officials, applications have already been sent to all eligible schools to encourage participation.
Once schools are selected for the contest, snowplow blades will be delivered to participating schools during the week of March 16. Students will then have several weeks to work on their designs before the blades are collected by transportation officials by May 1.
The Paint-the-Plow program allows students to paint an ODOT snowplow blade which are displayed at local community events before being used in regular winter operations, usually within the same school district that painted the plow.
After the artwork is completed and collected, the plow blades will be displayed at community events across the region, allowing residents to see the designs before the equipment is put into service during the winter season.
Transportation officials also noted that this year’s contest carries a special theme. In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the United States, students are encouraged to create designs that celebrate the nation’s history and honor the milestone.
The program not only highlights student creativity but also strengthens connections between schools, local communities, and transportation crews who work to keep roads safe during winter weather.
Contest winners will be revealed later in the spring. According to ODOT District 11, winning schools will be announced through local media and on the district’s social media channels in late May.
Officials say schools interested in participating or learning more about the Paint-the-Plow contest can contact the ODOT District 11 Public Information Office at 330-308-7817 or by email at [email protected].
The program continues to grow each year, giving students a unique chance to see their artwork displayed on equipment that helps keep their communities moving during Ohio’s snowy winter months.
