Eighth-grade Students Invited to Participate in Inaugural “Name a Snowplow” contest

BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and Idaho Department of Education are inviting eighth-grade students to participate in the inaugural “Name a Snowplow” contest. Highway departments in other states across have had great success with similar contests.

Beginning October 1, students can submit their name entries, which will be accepted through the end of October. Winning names will be announced by 2025.

“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.

ITD employees from six Idaho regions will vote on names for two plows, and the winning names will be displayed directly on snowplows. The winners will receive a visit by the plow and its driver, who will 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.”