One classroom of fourth graders at UP Academy Dorchester on Westville Street celebrated a win this winter when a name they submitted for a snowplow was chosen as a winner in a MassDOT contest.

For the second year, MassDOT had challenged students across the state in grades K-8 to submit names for the department’s snowplows. The best names in each of the six districts statewide win prizes given out in two categories – grades K-4 and grades 5-8.

UP Academy Dorchester’s fourth graders in Kat Brea’s and Kierstyn Kahler’s classroom came up with ‘Snow Monstah’ and that took the prize in the District 6, grades K-4 category.

“We’re glad Snow Monstah was the winner,” said Brea and Kahler. “With the $100 gift card, we plan to get pencils, notebooks, and folders. Thank you MassDOT.”

The contest is for names for the 12 MassDOT snowplows that will be in service during this 2023/2024 winter season. The purpose is to help recognize the hard work and dedication shown by public works employees and contractors during the winter season.  

Other winning submissions were Flower Plower, Edward Blizzardhands, Glacier Gobbler, Polar Pathmaker, Snow B Wan Kenobi, The Snolar Express, Sleetwood Mac, Snow Place Like Home, Snow-hemian Rhapsody, The Mayplower, and Fast & Flurryous.