Tennessee High School Art Club students unveiled a one-of-a-kind snowplow blade on Thursday, December 4, as part of a partnership with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). The project, revealed at the entrance of the historic Stone Castle, highlights both student creativity and an important message about winter driving safety.
Over the past several weeks, THS Art Club members designed and hand-painted the plow blade as part of TDOT’s Paint the Plow initiative, which engages students in promoting safe driving behaviors during hazardous winter conditions. The finished design features local imagery, a “Drive Slow” safety message, and the students’ own artistic interpretation of Bristol and Tennessee High.
Art teacher Shawn Graham said the project offered students a meaningful way to serve the community while using their artistic skills to raise awareness.
“Our students are concerned about promoting safe roads for friends, family, and everyone who travels through our area,” Graham said. “They planned, organized, and painted every part of this design, and we’re grateful to TDOT and Principal Kim Kirk for giving them this opportunity.”
Students who were instrumental to the project include Lilly Chatten, Karma Laurie, Kailey Caudle, Evan Vance, Gavin Yates, Jade Worley, Brooke Bird, and Jack Blevins.
TDOT representative Drew Rutherford worked closely with the group throughout the project. The completed blade—provided by Sullivan County DOT—will be put into service this winter, clearing snow and ice from interstate lanes and state routes across Sullivan County.
The unveiling celebrated both the students’ hard work and the community partnership that made the project possible.