Vermont Launched Annual Name a Snowplow Contest

State officials invited schoolchildren to submit creative names for maintenance vehicles ahead of the winter season.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Skiing

Vermont Launched Annual Name a Snowplow Contest

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Do you believe school-based naming contests effectively increase student interest in local government and civic services?

Vermont has opened its annual competition allowing schoolchildren to name state snowplows. Principals and directors must submit their chosen names through the official online portal by October 30.

Why it matters

The program serves as an educational initiative designed to teach students about the logistical importance of winter road maintenance. Participation requires schools to collaborate with their students to select creative monikers for the equipment.

The state has set a cap of 250 schools that will receive a named snowplow for the upcoming winter. This program follows previous contests held in 2021, 2022, and 2024 for the state's 80,000 schoolchildren.

The players

Vermont Agency of Transportation

This state authority manages the maintenance of road infrastructure and oversees the seasonal snowplow naming program.

The details

School administrators must submit entries via an online portal, ensuring that all proposed names are free of political or religious references. As crews prepare for winter, the first flakes were observed on Mount Mansfield this Monday, signaling the arrival of the cold season.

Previous contests were held in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
The submission deadline for schools is October 30.

Season Trajectory

This program aligns with the state's ongoing strategy to engage youth in public infrastructure maintenance ahead of winter weather. The initiative mirrors past efforts to build community awareness regarding the essential role of snow removal during Vermont's heavy winter months.

Schools that submit their entries before the deadline have the opportunity to secure a named snowplow for their local district. This contest provides a direct way for students to engage with the machinery that ensures safe passage on state roads throughout the winter.

The takeaway

The program encourages students to take an active interest in the maintenance systems that keep the state functional during winter. Schools should prioritize early submissions to ensure their selected name is among the 250 vehicles chosen for the season.