The Iowa Department of Education launched a first-of-its-kind license plate design challenge in September 2024 to update the state’s education license plate and a winner has finally been chosen: 16-year-old Erin Cho of Ames High School.
Cho’s winning design features Iowa’s state bird, the American goldfinch, depicted as an educator, with students perched on three colorful books.
“As we invited Iowa’s students to reimagine our education license plate, Erin Cho created a thoughtful and skillful design that Iowa drivers can soon choose to proudly display,” said McKenzie Snow, Iowa Department of Education Director.
Iowa’s education license plate artwork nominated by 2024 art teacher of the year
Erin Cho is the Iowa Department of Education’s license plate design winner.
Cho received a poster-sized version of her license plate design during a surprise announcement at Ames High School. Snow, Ames High’s principal Paul Numendahl, Ames High art teacher Lindsay Wede and Cho’s mom, Jiwon Jeon, also joined.
Wede, who nominated Cho’s work, was also the 2024 Art Teacher of the Year.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Erin Cho in multiple art classes, Art Club, and National Art Honor Society,” Wede said. “I am absolutely thrilled that Erin’s well-thought-out design was chosen. Erin puts a lot of thought and effort into her art projects and shows a deep commitment to continuous learning.”
Where can I see Erin Cho’s license plate design?
Cho’s and all 16 semifinalists’ artwork will be displayed at the Department of Education’s office in the Grimes State Office Building in June, or can be viewed on the department’s website.
How can I get the education license plate from the Iowa DOT?
The new education license plate that features Erin Cho’s design is in production and can be ordered this summer through the Iowa Department of Transportation.
The fees collected from purchases of specialized license plates will support school districts with the highest per pupil transportation costs, including schools serving rural communities, the Department of Education said.
Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa has a new education license plate. See the winning design