George Mason Elementary Student Eileen Powell Named State Winner in Doodle 4 Google Contest

National Winner to Receive $30,000 Scholarship, $50,000 School Technology Grant and Have Artwork on Google's Homepage

Alexandria, Va. — Congratulations to Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) fifth-grader Eileen Powell on being selected as a State Winner in the annual Doodle 4 Google contest. Google representatives announced the news today at George Mason Elementary School and unveiled Eileen's "doodle" to her peers.

Eileen Jo Powell and her winning Google doodle!

More than 114,000 students nationwide entered the contest, which is open to students in grades K-12, with doodles based on this year's theme: "If I could travel in time, I'd visit..." Eileen's entry, "The 70's Peace," displayed her desire to visit the 1970s, complete with a peace sign and disco ball.

Eileen is the only Virginia student whose artwork is displayed for public voting on the Google website. Voting runs May 2-10. Each of the 250 State Finalist doodles is featured in an online gallery on the Doodle 4 Google website; however, the public can only vote for the 50 state winners.

Visit the Doodle 4 Google site to see Eileen's entry and for more information about the contest.

Eileen Jo Powell joined family in front of her winning Google doodle!

The 50 State Winners each will win a trip to New York for the final awards ceremony on May 17 and a T-shirt printed with his or her individual doodle on it. All 50 State Winners will also have their doodles displayed in a special exhibit at the New York Public Library. Five National Finalists (one per grade group) will be selected at the awards ceremony, and the National Winner's doodle will be featured on the Google home page on May 18 for 24 hours. The National Winner will receive a $30,000 college scholarship to be used at the school of his or her choice, a Google Chromebook computer and a Wacom digital design tablet. Google will also award the National Winner's school a $50,000 technology grant toward the establishment or improvement of a computer lab or technology programming.

"When I entered, I immediately decided to draw it on the '70s," Eileen said about her entry. "I felt like it would be very interesting to be able to go back into the '70s, because there was a lot of protesting for peace and a green culture, which I feel is something the world tends to lack today. To win is such an honor, and I hope that I could possibly move on. It has been amazing so far."

Eileen Jo Powell, Principal Kevin West and her winning Google doodle!

"We are extremely proud of Eileen," said Kevin West, principal of George Mason Elementary School. "Eileen was also selected as the ACPS 2010-11 Poet Laureate through the annual division-wide poetry competition. Her creativity and passion for the arts only enhance her overall education. Having her as a student at George Mason is a joy!"

To arrange an opportunity to speak with Eileen or for further information, please contact Kelly Alexander at 703-824-6635 or .

Visit the Doodle 4 Google site to vote for Eileen!