COLUMBIA FALLS – Raychel Hoerner, a recent graduate of Columbia Falls High School, said it started as a homework assignment.
Her teacher assigned the Doodle for Google competition, “When I Grow Up I Hope,” as homework. The competition asked students to submit a piece of art based on what inspired them.
Hoerner submitted a piece to the statewide competition and won, which advanced her to the finals.
While she has always been a talented artist, she had no idea her doodle would win statewide.
“I was mostly just doing it as a homework assignment. I’m glad I did my homework that night because it worked out for me,” Hoerner said.
Every state, including Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and Guam, has a representative and as a Montana native, Hoerner’s artwork reflects the iconic West Tunnel in Glacier National Park.
“My Google Doodle shows a ram standing in the park and my big idea was the conservation of wildlife. So, I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors,” explained Hoerner.
Hoerner told MTN there’s a winner from different age groups (ex. K-3, 4-5 etc). Those winners will receive a $5,000 scholarship.
This is where Hoerner needs the public’s help.
The public votes on their favorite doodle creation by going here. The favorites will then be reviewed by Google executives and the ultimate winner will have their doodle on the homepage of Google and win $30,000 in scholarship money.
You can vote for your favorite Doodle throughout the week of June 3. Voting ends on Friday, June 7 at 9 p.m. PDT.
-Reported by Maren Siu/MTN News
