March 7, 2025 -- Lackawanna County middle schools are invited to enter the 2025 Back-to-School Art Project: Snowplow Contest, a partnership between the Lackawanna County Department of Roads & Bridges and the Department of Arts & Culture.

Middle schools countywide are invited to submit a design to paint a Lackawanna County snowplow blade with original artwork to represent their school spirit and winter fun. Six finalists will be selected to paint their design on a snowplow. The winning design will be selected through a public vote, which will start in the summer and run through Nov. 1.

The six selected schools will receive a $250 stipend for paint supplies and the winning school will receive $500 for school art programs. Plows will be dropped off at schools in September and painting must be complete by Oct. 31.

In addition to being visible when in service during the winter, the blades will be used to promote community involvement, school spirit and foster a greater appreciation of public safety workers and school art programs. The plows will be showcased at the annual Santa Parade and the WEJL Tower Lighting in November.

The Snowplow Contest was inspired by PennDOT’s Paint-the-Plow Program that began during the 2015-2016 winter season in Cambria County. In the years that followed, the program expanded into other areas of the state.

For more details about the contest and to enter, visit the 2025 Back to School Art Project: Snowplow Contest page. For questions about the contest, Alysia Scazafabo, Lackawanna County Arts & Culture program coordinator, at 570-963-6590.

Applications and designs are due by Friday, May 16.