Next time it snows, don’t be alarmed if you see a scenic view of the Pacific Northwest plowing your roads. As part of the National Public Works Week celebration, Pierce County Public Works and Utilities invited local schools to participate in an activity where students were able to paint a snow plow.

This year, New Hope Christian School in Graham was up to the challenge. The class had creative freedom and developed their own theme. Under the direction of art mom and volunteer Niki Dexter, the fourth grade class produced a tribute to the Northwest. In one week, students painted a mural that combines environmental elements with local icons such as a picturesque view of Mount Rainier, a news helicopter and even a fighter jet flying overhead.

Road District Manager Kendall Willits headed up the project and said the project was more impressive than he expected. “When I saw the finished product, I was floored,” said Willits. “They came up with the design on their own, and it really captures Pierce County. They are an impressive group of fourth graders.”

The Road Operations Division plans to make this an annual activity and hopes to get more schools involved next year.

Instituted by the American Public Works Association in 1960, National Public Works Week is recognized nationally and is a celebration of public infrastructure and the people who maintain and operate vital public services.