WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The winners of Bradley International Airport’s second annual snowplow naming contest were announced on Wednesday by the Connecticut Airport Authority.
The airport in Windsor Locks partnered again with two elementary schools in nearby East Granby.
Students at R.D. Seymour Elementary School and Carl Allgrove Elementary School submitted potential snowplow names to the team at the airport.
Then, airport employees voted on their favorite names from each school. Connecticut meteorologists were also given a chance to offer their opinions and vote this year.
The winning name from R.D. Seymour Elementary is “Mighty Plower Ranger,” while the top name from Carl Allgrove Elementary is “Plowzilla.”
According to the CAA, each name is now displayed on the side of two pieces of the airport’s snow equipment. On Wednesday, students from the winning classes were invited to the airport for an unveiling ceremony.
They were also able to view all the equipment the airport uses to clear snow during the winter and toured part of the airfield.
CAA Executive Director Michael Shea said the airport staff always looks for ways to partner with the community. He said everyone there is proud of initiatives that provide an opportunity for meaningful engagement.
“This initiative allows local students to see the airport through a different lens, learn about the importance of snow operations, understand how we keep the airport safe during winter weather and meet our team of dedicated employees who make it all happen,” Shea said.
Currently, the airport has 32 pieces of specialized equipment that staff members use to plow, sweep and blow snow. The equipment is specially designed to be used on runways, taxiways and ramp areas.
Suzanne Palmieri, superintendent of East Granby Public Schools, said the names aren’t just clever but sound like heroes who make themselves available when the weather gets challenging to keep everyone safe at the airport.
“I want to thank the Connecticut Airport Authority and Bradley International Airport for inviting our students to this experience and thank our kids for reminding us that imagination and heart can make the snowiest of days a little brighter,” Palmieri said.
The CAA noted that some of the other snowplow names that were finalists include Snownado, Frosty Freeze, Snow Blazer and Snow Fighter.
Source: fox61.com