May 23, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Transportation: LIMA, Ohio (May 23, 2024) - The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1’s annual Paint-the-Plow contest winners are Hancock County’s Riverdale Middle School and the Paulding FFA Chapter. Riverdale, located in Mt. Blanchard, collected the most votes on social media to win the people’s choice award, earning 969 votes on ODOT District 1’s Facebook page contest. The plow with the most likes, comments, and shares wins the award. The artists’ work honors Mr. Luke Swavel, a beloved middle school teacher and coach who passed away unexpectedly in May 2023. “Luke was a dedicated Falcon staff member,” said Greg Rossman, Riverdale Local Schools superintendent. “He gave 100 percent effort in his history classes and made connections with all of his students,” he said. Ada High School took second place with 513 votes, and in third place, Upper Scioto Valley High School with 480 votes, both with bold school mascot-themed plows.  The Paulding FFA Chapter members pose with their Paint-the-Plow submission: (from left) Piper Kochel, Hunter Couts, Drake Ankney, Blayne Pease, Bryson Pease, Jack Woods, Tytus Manz, Matt Bail, Karlee Akers, and Carson Eitniear
Paulding FFA Chapter’s creative entry, "Move Over... Mailbox Slayer," earned the coveted ODOT Choice Award, selected by ODOT District 1 employees at the annual roadeo competition on May 8. Fort Jennings High School and Allen East High School took second and third place, respectively. “These plows will be more than just snow-fighting tools. They'll be ambassadors for their schools, spreading joy and pride at fairs, parades, and in neighborhoods throughout the year," said Chris Hughes, the deputy director of ODOT District 1. Since 2014, ODOT District 1 has hosted an annual Paint-the-Plow contest, with a brief hiatus in 2020 and 2021 when a virtual contest was held instead. Schools unleash their creativity on real snowplows in this program which fosters community engagement, school spirit, and color on the winter landscape. This year was one of the most crowded contests ever with 26 schools from all eight counties in District 1 participating. ODOT employees chose a favorite entry from each of the district's eight counties:
All entries may be viewed on ODOT District 1's Facebook page. ODOT District 1 services eight counties in northwest Ohio, including Allen, Defiance, Hancock, Hardin, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Wyandot.  Allen East High School, Allen County  Riverdale Middle School, Hancock County  Ayersville High School, Defiance County  McComb High School, Hancock County  Ada High School, Hardin County  Hardin Northern High School, Hardin County  Upper Scioto Valley High School, Hardin County  Paulding FFA Chapter, Paulding County  Fort Jennings High School, Putnam County  Crestview FFA Chapter, Van Wert County  Mohawk FFA Chapter, Wyandot County |
The Riverdale Middle School, Mt. Blanchard, eighth-grade students pause to pose with their work in progress which won ODOT District 1's Paint-the-Plow People’s Choice award. Pictured are (from left) Bristel Cramner, Ava Brooks, Aliya Isaacs, Grace Grindell, and Evony Dobbins. The plow had the most likes, shares, and comments on the ODOT District 1 Facebook page. The artists’ work honors Mr. Luke Swavel, a beloved middle school teacher and coach who passed away unexpectedly in May 2023.
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