Lima, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 has opened applications for its annual Paint-the-Plow contest, inviting students across northwest Ohio to showcase creativity while promoting winter driving safety and community pride. Applications for the popular program will be accepted through Friday, March 13.
The contest is open to area schools and vocational school groups within a nine-county region that includes Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Wyandot counties. Officials have distributed application materials to all eligible schools throughout the district.
Students Combine Art, Safety, and Community Pride
Through the Paint-the-Plow program, students design and paint an ODOT snowplow blade. The decorated plows are displayed at local community events before being put into service during winter operations, typically within the same school district that created the design. The program blends artistic expression with public safety messaging by reminding drivers to share the road safely with snow removal equipment.
This year’s contest theme encourages participants to recognize America’s 250th anniversary. Students are asked to create designs that honor the nation or highlight Ohio’s contributions to the country.
Plow blades will be delivered to participating schools during the week of March 16 and collected by May 1 after artwork is completed. In mid-May, the finished designs will be showcased on ODOT District 1’s Facebook page, where a social media competition will invite the public to vote for their favorites. Winners will be announced later in May through local media and on ODOT District 1 social media platforms.
Last year’s program featured participation from 23 schools. Carey High School in Wyandot County earned the People’s Choice award, determined through Facebook voting. Fort Jennings High School in Putnam County received the ODOT Choice award, selected by district employees. Both award categories will return this year.
Transportation officials say the program builds community engagement while teaching students the importance of winter safety and civic pride. Schools interested in participating or seeking more information can contact the ODOT District 1 public information office at 419-860-3655 or [email protected].
By blending creativity with public service, the Paint-the-Plow contest continues to inspire students and remind drivers of the essential work performed by snowplow crews each winter.
