Rochester student named Minnesota winner of Doodle 4 Google contest
A Rochester student has been selected to represent our great state in a national art contest sponsored by Google.
John Marshall High School senior Rebecca Frei recently learned in front of the entire student body that she is the one and only winner for the state of Minnesota in the Doodle 4 Google competition. Frei joins 52 other semi-finalists (one from each state plus D.C., Puerto Rico and Guam).
In her submission — which you can see above — Frei says her artwork was influenced by her Great Grandma Blennie.
"I am inspired by those who have gone before me," she wrote. "This is a depiction of my great grandma Blennie playing her banjolele on the family garden truck. Blennie never shied away from hard work. She never let anyone leave her without being uplifted. I feel a deep connection with my great grandma, especially when I play my banjolele. I feel she is there, pushing me forward - and I want to make her proud."
To move on to the final round, Frei will need the community's help. Voting is open from now through May 18. The national winner will receive a behind-the-scenes experience as the Doodle team transforms their design into an interactive display on Google, plus a $30,000 scholarship and a $50,000 technology package for their school. The remaining four finalists will also receive a trip to the Google campus, plus a $5,000 college scholarship.
How you can help
To vote, visit the Doodle 4 Google website.
Then, click on "Grades 10-12"
Then, click on "Minnesota"
Then, VOTE!
Cover graphic: Frei's design
