Buckland-Shelburne Elementary students among 12 winners in MassDOT snowplow naming contest

By BELLA LEVAVI

Staff Writer

Published: 01-30-2023 6:30 PM

SHELBURNE FALLS — A “Sled Zeppelin” decal will be seen on the side of a state Department of Transportation snowplow this winter, thanks to the creativity of two Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School students.

In its first statewide competition, MassDOT asked public elementary and middle school students to submit name suggestions for 12 of its snowplows. Two students in David Conlon’s sixth grade class at Buckland-Shelburne Elementary had their submission selected by a panel composed of MassDOT employees. The panel chose two classroom winners in each of the state’s six Highway Division districts.

“We really like Led Zeppelin,” said contest winner Harper Briggs. Harper and her peer, Wren Topitzer, both came up with the same name independently, making them both contest winners.

Each winning classroom will receive a $100 gift card for school supplies and a visit from a MassDOT snowplow with the winning name on it once winter storms subside.

Conlon said his sixth graders looked up names of snowplows from around the world to find inspiration. The class collectively submitted about 30 or 40 name suggestions, with each student writing individual submissions.

Both students became interested in Led Zeppelin’s music through adults in their life. Wren learned about the music from his father and Harper became familiar with it through her mother’s friend.

“I was caught off guard,” Wren said of his initial reaction when he found out he was a contest winner, and that “Sled Zeppelin” would be displayed on a snowplow.

Both students said they are not hugely into puns but definitely used their pun-making skills for this competition.

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The purpose of the contest is to celebrate the snow and ice season and to help recognize the hard work and dedication of public works employees and contractors during winter storms, according to a statement from MassDOT.

The other winners are: “Flurry Fighter,” suggested by Crosby Elementary School in Pittsfield, “Luke Snowalker” by Munger Hill School in Westfield, “Plower Ranger” by Reingold Elementary School in Fitchburg, “Sherlock Snowmes” by John F. Kennedy School in Somerville, “Snowdrop” by Wilkins Elementary School in Stoughton, “Arctic Beast” by JFK Elementary School in Canton, “Snow Day, No Way” by Hadley Elementary School in Hadley, “Blizzard Wizard” by Tahanto Middle-High School in Boylston, “Snow Big Deal” by TEC Connections Academy Online School in Malden, “Snow Time to Lose” by Wamsutta Middle School in Attleboro and “Blizzard of Oz” by James F. Condon School in Boston.

“We are excited about the results of our first-ever contest to partner with school students across Massachusetts to name several of our snowplows,” Transportation Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca said in a statement. “In addition to recognizing the schools that submitted winning names, this contest also strengthens the connection MassDOT has with communities across the commonwealth.”

Bella Levavi can be reached at blevavi@recorder.com or 413-930-4579.

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