Redland Middle School in Derwood Named Winner of Montgomery County’s ‘Paint the Plow’ Contest to Celebrate Public Works Week
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Redland Middle School in Derwood was selected as the first-place winner of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) “Paint the Plow” snowplow naming contest. The winning design highlighted, titled “Life is a Highway” featured a Ride On bus and a highway worker on Sam Eig Highway.
The Paint the Plow contest is held each year as part of “Public Works Week” to honor essential workers. During the special week, MCDOT recognizes the employees of its Division of Highway Services with a social media campaign highlighting public works employees and the vital role they play in the safety and quality of life of County residents.
“Congratulations to Redland Middle School and all the participating students and teachers,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “The Paint the Plow competition is a beloved annual tradition that engages students in recognizing the valuable contributions of our public works employees. I look forward to seeing the plows in action during the winter months as a tribute to the men and women who keep our County running.”
The decorated snowplows were displayed at MCDOT’s “Truck Day” event on May 16. More than 2,600 people voted for their favorite snowplow design.
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Teams from 11 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.
The winners selected were:
- First place and awarded $500: Redland Middle School in Derwood for its decorated snowplow with a transportation theme named “Life is a Highway.”
- Second place and awarded $300: Hallie Wells Middle School in Clarksburg for its decorated snowplow with a “Heroes of Public Works” theme named “Plow!”
- Third place and awarded $200: Julius West Middle School in Rockville for its decorated snowplow with a Minions theme named “Snow Ready for Summer.”
Residents will see the decorated plows in action this winter. The plows will be deployed during snow and ice events to help clear roadways.
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“I want to thank our MCPS students for helping us celebrate our public works employees,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “I was impressed by the creativity and talent of these students and their efforts to raise awareness of the unseen but vital role our employees play in our community.”
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Public Works Week is a nationally recognized week in May to honor essential workers. The American Public Works Association selected “People, Purpose, Presence” as the theme for the 2025 National Public Works Week. Public Works Week is observed May 18-24.
Pictures of the painted plows can be viewed on the MCDOT Paint the Plow page or on the social media platforms listed below.
For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot , follow @MCDOTNow on X , Bluesky , Instagram , Facebook and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.
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Release ID: 25-233
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta 240-372-2282
Categories: Transportation
For updates and link to press release, see here: http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=47138