SCARBOROUGH, Maine — Kelly Dodge, a student at Scarborough High School, has been chosen as the Maine state winner in the "Doodle for Google" scholarship competition.
Dodge's artwork will now move on to the national competition where she will go against 54 other finalists.
The winner is chosen by votes cast by the public.
"She's just really gifted, and full of really unique original ideas and is just really visually gifted," said Scarborough High School visual arts teacher Elise Pelletier.
The theme this year was inner strength. Dodge titled her work "perseverance of passions." In her description, she wrote, "During the pandemic, finding time and energy to do the things I love has been very challenging. This doodle represents me still having the strength to do what I'm passionate about in these tough times."
"I put the swim goggles and a little computer with the Google Meet icon on it for online classes. And I felt just showing someone surrounded by the things they love is a good message to send," Dodge told NEWS CENTER Maine.
The top prize is a $30,000 scholarship for the student and $50,000 worth of technology equipment for the school or nonprofit associated with the student. The competition is also awarding $5,000 scholarships for the next four highest vote-getters. The artwork that wins will be displayed for a day on Google.
Pelletier said she's not surprised to see Dodge's work recognized, and has been a pleasure to work with her in class this semester.
"It's just amazing to see her recognized for the work that she's done," said Pelletier.
Voting begins at noon on Monday, May 10, and goes through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 15.
To vote for Kelly Dodge click here. You will need to select "Grades 1-12" button. Then scroll down to "Maine" and click on Kelly's doodle.
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