When Inchara Shree came to school with her parents last week, she thought it was just another day of seventh grade at Tumwater Middle School — other than a totally innocuous meeting between her folks and her science teacher.
But when the Beaverton student walked into class, she was met with balloons, a cameraman and a big sign that said: “Doodle the future.”
That’s how Shree learned she was one of 55 finalists in the 16th annual Doodle for Google contest, representing the entire state of Oregon.
“I was just so happy,” Shree said. “It was great news to hear.”
Along with a celebration at her school with her classmates and family, Google sent Shree a swag bag, complete with a new computer.
Google is turning 25 this year and, to celebrate its quarter-century milestone, asked K-12 students from across the country to submit artwork that incorporates the ubiquitous logo into their vision for the next 25 years.
“I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to showcase my art skills, and I just enjoyed it a lot,” Shree said. “The experience was great.”
It only took Shree a few days to decide what her wish for the future is. Her artwork, titled “Dear Madame President…,” was made with a combination of watercolor paints, oil pastels and colored pencils, and represents Shree’s dream to one day see a woman in the White House.
"I've always thought that maybe if we ever had a female president, it could let us see a new and diverse perspective, just like how we observed with President Obama,” Shree said.
In her social studies class last year, Shree said she learned that there has never been a female U.S. president, and it’s been on her mind ever since.
“Madame in French means 'lady.' My wish for the next 25 years is to see more female leaders, specifically a U.S. president,” read Shree’s written response submitted alongside her artwork. “Never in history (has) there been one U.S. woman president, and all I'm hoping for in the future is peace, equity, and equality.”
Shree said she’s enjoyed doing art since she was a young child, and sees it as a fun, relaxing hobby she can do alongside her other pursuits. She hopes to one day pursue a career in science or medicine, and decompress with art in her free time.
You can cast your vote in the Doodle for Google contest until Tuesday, June 4, to help narrow down the 55 state and territory winners to five national finalists.
“No matter what happens with this competition, I’ll be very happy with my accomplishments so far,” Shree said.
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