FOXBURG — When Old Man Winter hits this year, a plow sporting a design representing the Allegheny-Clarion Valley Falcons will be pushing back.

A design by sophomore Madison Hurrelbrink was selected by PennDOT for the Paint the Plow program. All students in Rachel Forsythe's studio art class worked to complete the artwork on the snow plow blade.

“This was not an easy task, as we had 66 different designs to choose from,” said Forsythe, who teaches grades nine to 12 in the Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District. “All of the students submitted fabulous work.”

Each student in Forsythe's classes had the opportunity to create a design for the blade. Staff and faculty voted for their top three favorite designs.

Superintendent David McDeavitt was given the top three designs and was asked to select an overall winner before submission to PennDOT. Works selected were by senior Baylee Blauser, third place; senior Evelyn Ruckdeschel, second place; and Madison, first place.

“I think it turned out great. The design really shows school spirit, and everyone did a really great job,” Madison said. “We all worked well together.”

Forsythe said the students' work resulted in an incredible piece of masterfully designed and functional artwork.

“I think providing my students with the opportunity to work together made them feel more connected to each other. It helped the students to develop team-building skills, such as communication and leadership, as they assisted each other in the creative process,” she said. “The ability to work on an art project outside in the beautiful weather was something we all really enjoyed as well.”

Driving safety

PennDOT began the Paint the Plow program in 2015 as a way to raise awareness about winter driving safety. The program started in Cambria County, but has expanded to include all 67 counties in Pennsylvania.

At one time, students were given a specific theme, but now PennDOT encourages students to create a design that embodies their school's unique characteristics.

The design chosen from each district is painted on a plow provided by PennDOT that is used within the communities of the local school district.

The program also fosters a connection between PennDOT and the districts, students and communities it serves.

Artsonia Program

Forsythe said the sale of keepsakes from the high school's Artsonia Giftshop provided the students with funds to complete the snow plow blade project.

“Without the generosity of our families, this project would not have been made possible,” she said.

Supplies for this project were purchased with money raised through the Artsonia Program.

Artsonia is the world's largest collection of student art, published by teachers and students from around the world.

Forsythe started using Artsonia when she began teaching at the high school in 2019.

Each art student at A-C Valley High School has an online art portfolio through the program. Beginning in eighth grade art class, Forsythe creates an account for each student, and throughout their years at the school she documents each student's artwork and uploads it to his or her portfolio.

“By the time the students are seniors, they will have a strong collection of artwork they have made throughout their high school career,” she said.

Parents and family members can become Artsonia Fan Club members, view the art online, leave comments and order custom keepsakes featuring the artwork. When a keepsake is purchased, 20% of the proceeds go toward the A-C Valley high school art program to help pay for supplies.

Last year, Forsythe's classes raised over $200. This year, the goal is to raise $250.

For more information about Artsonia and the district's student gallery, visit https://www.artsonia.com/schools/school.asp?id=11056.