While many organizations purchase medium duty trucks to aid their operations, it takes a special vision to create artwork for their truck as noteworthy as the Wrightstown Department of Public Works. The department purchased a new Hino truck from H.K. Truck Center, a medium duty truck dealership located in South Plainfield. Though the Hino was intended as a township garbage truck, some members of their municipality had a much better idea.
David Smith, from the Wrightstown Department of Public Works, wanted to get the kids involved in the importance of recycling and waste management in their township. He reached out to the New Hanover Township School to see if they would be interested in participating in a contest to create a design that encourages local residents to keep recyclable materials out of the trash.
The idea was well received and Teresa Peterla, the science teacher at New Hanover Township School, invited her 6th and 8th grade students to participate. “It was a good opportunity to educate people on why and what to recycle,” Teresa said. Ten students from the Wrightstown Borough and New Hanover Township submitted eco-friendly artwork for the truck design.
Teresa knew that each of her students put a lot of time and care into their work. Rather than have a single winning design put on the truck, the contest prize money was split between all the students. All ten of the designs, and the names of the student who drew them, are now featured in the artwork. Additionally, each student was given a certificate signed by Tom Harper, the Mayor of Wrightstown, to celebrate their efforts in advancing recycling education.
“The new truck’s artwork is now a part of the community, both serving to collect waste and reminding residents to keep recyclables out of the waste bin,” David said.
