Sled Zeppelin II? MassDOT Snowplow Naming Contest Open To Students Again

MASSACHUSETTS — A new seasonal tradition in Massachusetts is back for its second year. MassDOT is once again asking for help from students across the state naming snowplows this winter.

The first contest last year produced gems like "Luke Snowalker" (3rd graders from Westfield), "Blizzard of Oz" (5th graders from Boston) and Plower Ranger (1st graders from Fitchburg).

MassDOT took a cue from Vermont's transportation department, which has been letting students name plows since 2020, bestowing about 250 plows with names like "Super Plow Snow Pants," "Lord Snowdemort" and "Fast and Flurrious."

“This contest is a great way to celebrate the winter season in New England, encourage the creativity of our young people, and to thank all the dedicated members of our crews who keep our roads and bridges cleared during severe weather,” acting state Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt said in a news release.

This year, MassDOT will pick names for 12 snowplows that will be used across the state this winter. Students in kindergarten through 8th grade classes can submit names. MassDOT employees will pick two winning classes from each of the state's six highway districts. There will be one winner in two grade categories: kindergarten through 4th and 5th through 8th.

Classrooms must submit nominations by 5 p.m. on Dec. 1 through the MassDOT online portal. Winners will be picked by Dec. 22.