WORCESTER—When officials in the UK opened up a public naming contest for a new polar research ship in 2016, they learned a valuable lesson: leave the naming up to the public, and you might get something like Boaty McBoatface. While that choice ultimately lost out to Sir David Attenborough (at least formally speaking, because Prince William and wife Kate said so), it became an internet sensation.
Now Worcester’s schoolkids have the chance to show their creativity in naming some new snowplows for the city. Will Snowy McSnowface be in the running? That remains to be seen, but the final choices are in the hands of the city’s young scholars.
Worcester’s Department of Public Works & Parks (DPW&P), in partnership with Worcester Public Schools, has kicked off its “name a snowplow” contest, inviting students to put their creativity to the test. The initiative, announced Wednesday, gives four snowplow trucks operating in different city quadrants names crafted by K-12 students.
“The Name a Snowplow Contest is an opportunity to have some fun, work collaboratively with the Worcester Public Schools, and highlight the dedication of DPW&P, who we all rely on during the winter months,” City Manager Eric Batista said in the announcement.
Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools Dr. Rachel Monárrez added that it was an exciting way to get young students involved in a civic activity. “We’re thrilled to invite our scholars to showcase their creativity and community pride by naming Worcester’s snowplows,” Monárrez stated. “This contest is a fun way to engage young minds and celebrate the spirit of our city.”
Submissions remain open through Dec. 20, followed by public voting from Dec. 23 to Jan. 5. The winning names will be announced during the week of Jan. 6, with the selected names displayed on the snowplows in the weeks following. Winning classrooms will be recognized at a City Council meeting, receive DPW&P merchandise, and have their photos taken with their named trucks.
