Students Transform Rochester Hills Snow Plows Into Art on Wheels

Snow removal in Rochester Hills will have a new look this winter, thanks to the talented art students from Rochester Community Schools who participated in the City’s first annual Paint the Plow project facilitated by the Department of Public Services. 

Allan Schneck, Director of the Department of Public Services (DPS), thought this would be a unique way to educate the students, teachers and parents on the services provided by the DPS department, specifically winter maintenance activities.

“This presented an opportunity to engage students in a way that they can identify with while learning about the department,” Schneck said.

The city challenged each middle and high school to create a design that is reflective of the winter season or that shows their community pride. The only rule was that it had to include their school name.

“Rochester Community Schools was very excited to partner with the City of Rochester Hills on such a great project for the kids and for the community,” said Dr. Robert Shaner, Superintendent at RCS. “We look forward to making this a winter tradition.”

The project was well received with more than 100 students, teachers and parents from the community participating in the inaugural event held at the DPS Garage.

“We have an innovative and outstanding public services department and we hope that the students will feel a sense of pride and ownership when they see their design on the trucks as our men and women clear the roads this winter,” Barnett said.

The mobile murals will be unveiled during the next snowfall in Rochester Hills, or at the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 8, whichever comes first.