CMS seventh-grader names New Mexico snow plow Chilly Changa

When winter weather hits southern New Mexico, drivers may soon find themselves sharing the road with a snow plow named Chilly Changa, thanks to the creativity of a Canutillo Middle School seventh-grader.

Jediah Madrid won a naming contest hosted by the New Mexico Department of Transportation, beating out thousands of entries from across the region. His winning suggestion will now be displayed on a snow plow stationed in Anthony that serves southern New Mexico during winter storms.

“I thought it was a fun way to call it,” Jediah said. “It used terms from New Mexico like a chimichanga and chile, and combined it with winter terms for the snow plow. I thought it was fun and I am so happy that it won. It’ll be cool to see it out there in the streets and know that I named it.”

The name blends local flavor with a frosty twist, capturing the spirit of the Borderland while giving the heavy-duty machine a personality all its own.

On Tuesday, staff from the New Mexico Department of Transportation surprised Jediah at Canutillo Middle School by bringing Chilly Changa to campus. Parked outside, the massive plow drew plenty of attention from students and staff.

Jediah had the chance to take photos with his family in front of the newly named vehicle. He also climbed into the cab of the plow, getting a close look at the controls used to clear highways during icy conditions. For good measure, he even pulled the cord to blast the truck’s booming horn, drawing cheers and laughter from the crowd.

The surprise visit turned an already exciting moment into a memory Jediah said he will not forget.

While heavy snow may be rare in southern New Mexico, residents will not have to wait for a major winter storm to catch a glimpse of Chilly Changa. Transportation crews use the plow for other tasks throughout the year, meaning it will be on the road more often than many might expect.

For Jediah, that means more chances to spot the bright plow rolling through the region he calls home.

And the next time temperatures drop and flakes begin to fall, drivers can take comfort knowing Chilly Changa — named by one of their own — is ready to hit the road.

I thought it was fun and I am so happy that it won. It’ll be cool to see it out there in the streets and know that I named it.Jediah MadridCMS Student