LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A Little Rock School District elementary school student is taking his achievements out of this world this week after he was selected as Arkansas's winning entry in the 2024 Doodle for Google contest.
Peter Xiong attends Don R. Roberts Elementary School and submitted his design for Google's "16th annual Doodle for Google" contest back in January.
In celebration of Google's 25th anniversary, the company asked students to give their answer to the prompt "My wish for the next 25 years is...." through their artwork.
Xiong's response to the prompt was:
“My wish for the next 25 years is for humans to find a way to inhabit Mars. By that time, there will be lots of very futuristic robots and technology, and we will bring them onto Mars to help us. In my Doodle, humans, and robots are outside on a Mars sunrise, enjoying the peaceful weather.”
His elaborate drawing titled "My Martian Sunrise" showcased just that. It shows both humans and robots enjoying the red terrain of Mars as they work hard with rocketships and other technology.
His artwork was one of 55 U.S. state and territory winners that were selected among tens of thousands of submissions from across the country. Each winner received Google hardware, swag, and also had celebrations to showcase their artwork.
“We were amazed by the submissions we received,” said Doodle Product Marketing Manager Selly Sallah. “Across ages, students showcased their visions for the future in thoughtful and unique ways. Young artists shared a range of things they wished for in the next 25 years including safer communities, technological breakthroughs, a cleaner planet, and greater unity among people. Given the challenging nature of the past few years, we were really inspired to see the many ways students have been facing the opportunities and challenges that the future brings.”
Xiong and the other winners will move on to a national contest where five national finalists will be selected. The top winner will earn a $55,000 scholarship and a $50,000 technology package for their school or any nonprofit organization of their choosing.
To cast a vote for your favorite doodle or to view all of the winning submissions, please click here.
