Ella Grail Iowa Winner in Doodle for Google Contest
A talented Iowa based student could soon have their art on the Google homepage for hundreds of
millions to see. Google is announcing the 55 State and Territory winners in its Doodle for Google
competition, a contest where K-12 students across the United States have the opportunity to create
their own version of the Google logo inspired by the prompt “My wish for the next 25 years…”.
Ella Grail, a 9th grader from Ames, Iowa, is one of the 55 US State and Territory Winners with her Doodle, “Community Garden”. Ella’s Doodle was selected from thousands of entries received this year. Students at Ames High School and her family helped Ella celebrate during a surprise announcement.
“When I was in second grade, my teacher told me all about it and I was super interested. I’ve entered for the past three years,” reflects Grail. “Every year I hope and then I’m disappointed when I don’t win. I
didn’t think I could ever win this.”
“I am so thrilled for Ella. This has been one of the hardest secrets to keep,” said Ames High art teacher,
Lindsay Wede. “She is a phenomenal student, she’s had an excellent year.”
To help their favorite Doodles succeed, people across the U.S. can vote for their favorite Doodle from
the 55 State and Territory Winners. Voting will be open from May 22 – June 4 and the public vote will determine the contest finalists and winner. Google will announce the five National Finalists in late May, one of whom will have their Doodle featured on the Google homepage for a day.
The National Winner will take home a $55,000 college scholarship and their school will receive a
$50,000 tech package towards the establishment or improvement of a computer lab or
technology program.
To see a full list of state winners and to vote online, visit: https://doodles.google.com/d4g/.
We recently had Ella join us on the Amazing Education Podcast. This episode is currently available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or where you enjoy listening. We had an amazing conversation about being the Iowa winner for the Doodle for Google contest, how she became interested in art, and how she balances both her artwork and school work at the same time. Take a listen today and don’t forget that voting in the Doodle for Google contest (https://doodles.google.com/d4g/) is open until June 4 and the public will determine the contest finalists and winner.