The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Pope freshman a finalist in Google Doodle art competition
Soriano to compete in national contest vs. 8th-, 9th-graders.
One Marietta student might soon fifind her art on the front page of Google.
Aspiring artist and Pope HighSchoolfreshmanHelena Sorianohasbeenannounced as Georgia’swinner forGoogle’s annual “Doodle 4 Google” competition. Soriano, nowa state fifinalist, willcompete in the national contest against nine other 8th- and 9th-graders across the country.try
Co Compempetitingng artitistssts ar cr creaeateted doodles of what inspires them while recreating the Google logo. “Doodle 4Google” selected 53fifinalists from elementary, middle andhigh schools all over the U.S. Winners were judged in fifififififive categories: grades levels K-1st, 4th-5th, 6th-7th, 8th-9th and 10th-12th. Onewinnerwillbe selected from each gradelevel group.
Soriano’sdoodle,“Wildlife Wonders,” used the Google logo to illustrate animals in their natural habitats.
“I really like drawing and studying animals because they all have diversity andall have very interesting behaviors,” said Soriano’s written statement for the doodle.
State and territory fifinalists were judged on three criteria: artistic merit, creativity and theme communication. The letters of the Google logo had to be visible and the theme, “What Inspires Me?” had to have been expressed in the art and written statement.
If Soriano is announced the national winner, her doodle will be transformed into an interactive experience which will go live on Google.com’s homepage June 8, alongwith a $ 30,000 college scholarship and a trip to Google headquarters in California.
Pope High School will also receive a $50,000 Google for Education grant for the advancement of computer labs or technology programs at the school if shewins the national fifinals.
“We are extremely proud of Helena for representing Georgia, Cobb County, and Pope High school as a national finalist for the “Doodle 4 Google” annual art competition,” said Tom Flugum, principal of Pope High School.
“Sheisanexampleofwhat we strive to teach all of our students; to think, learn, growandlead!” hesaid.“Her skill and creativity will serve as an inspiration to others, and we look forward to seeing her artwork displayed on the Google home page.”
Google users can vote for the best doodle fromthe 53 fifinalists, including Soriano’s doodle, by visiting the competitionwebsite untilMay 18.
The five national finalists — one fromeach gradelevel category — will then be judged by a panel of Google executives who will announce the national winner on June 8.