Hallie Wells Middle School in Clarksburg Named Winner of Montgomery County’s ‘Paint the Plow’ Contest Celebrating Public Works Week – Mocofeed

Hallie Wells Middle School in Clarksburg was selected as the first-place winner of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) “Paint the Plow” snowplow naming contest. The school’s winning design, titled “Together,” featured a blue snowplow and people holding hands under the word “Together.” 

MCDOT holds the Paint the Plow contest each year as part of “Public Works Week” to honor essential workers. The American Public Works Association selected “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community” as the theme for the 2026 National Public Works Week. The decorated snowplows were displayed at MCDOT’s “Truck Day” event on May 16. More than 500 people voted for their favorite snowplow design.  

Teams from 14 County middle schools participated in the contest. Student teams had two weeks to name and decorate their snowplows. MCDOT provided the snowplows and paint supplies.   

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The winners selected were:  

• First place — $500 award: Hallie Wells Middle School in Clarksburg for its decorated snowplow with a unity theme named “Together.”  

• Second place — $300 award: Cabin John Middle School in Potomac for its decorated snowplow depicting infrastructure as reflected in the Public Works Week theme, “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community.”  

• Third place — $200 award: Tilden Middle School in North Bethesda for its decorated snowplow with a spring theme named “Bees on the Block.”  

Pictures of the winning plows can be viewed on MCDOT’s Paint the Plow webpage. 

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Residents will see the decorated plows in action this winter. The plows will be deployed during snow and ice events to help clear roadways.    

MCDOT recognized the employees of its Division of Highway Services with a social media campaign on @MCDOTNow platforms highlighting public works employees and the vital role they play in the safety and quality of life of County residents.   

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For information on MCDOT programs and services, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.       

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