Press Releases
Montgomery County Middle Schools Invited to Participate in the 'Paint the Plow' Contest, Registration Open Through Friday, April 10
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) welcomes public middle schools across the County to participate in the fifth annual "Paint the Plow" competition to name and decorate a snowplow for a chance to win cash prizes for their school. Middle schools have until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 10, to register online to participate in the Paint the Plow contest.
Participation is free and paint supplies are provided by MCDOT. This year’s plow design theme follows the National Public Works Week theme, “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community.” The theme acknowledges that the roots of service run deep in public works, and the competition offers a chance to highlight the essential work that public works teams perform every day.
Some public service work, like building roads and bridges, is highly visible. Many other contributions—such as maintaining storm drains, repairing pavement, and keeping rights‑of‑way clear—often happen out of public view. However, all of these efforts support daily life and keep communities functioning safely and reliably.
MCDOT Highway Services professionals close roads during floods, remove fallen trees, and make roads passable after winter storms. Even though they rarely meet the residents who benefit from their work, their efforts help keep Montgomery County moving and protect the quality of life for everyone.
Participating schools will design and paint their plow and give it a name or theme. Winning middle schools will be eligible for a $500 first-place prize, a $300 second-place prize, and a $200 third-place prize that typically goes toward the school’s art program or a club. The colorful, distinctive snowplows are deployed across the County during snowstorms.
MCDOT will deliver the snowplows to schools between 7-9 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, and pick them up between noon and 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 14.
The painted plows will be available for viewing and public vote at the free, family-friendly MCDOT Truck Day event running from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16. Truck Day will take place at the MCDOT Depot and Salt Barn located at 17000 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville. Truck Day invites community members to touch, climb, and explore the County’s many first-response, construction, and transportation vehicles. The celebration kicks off National Public Works Week, celebrating the County’s essential employees.
Visit the Paint the Plow website for more information.
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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Media Contact: Emily DeTitta 240-372-2282
Categories: Transportation