Today, state Representative Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) invited all K-12 students in the 98th District to create a Google doodle for the opportunity to win a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for his or her school. The opportunity comes with the launch of Google’s 2013 Doodle 4 Google Contest, which gives students across the U.S. the chance to display their own Google doodle on www.google.com.

“Doodle 4 Google is a great example of a public-private partnership that encourages creative thinking and offers unique opportunities to the students of the 98th District,” said Manely. “I want to make every student, parent and teacher aware of this fun and educational way to help turn a young person’s vision into something the whole world may see.” 

Google doodles are the fun versions of the Google logo that appear on the Google homepage throughout the year in celebration of special events and people. This year’s theme is “My Best Day Ever…” Students can submit doodles until March 22, 2013. The judging will start with Googlers and a panel of guest judges including journalist Katie Couric,  musician Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson of The Roots, Chris Sanders, writer and director of Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon, and Pendleton Ward, creator of Adventure Time.

On May 1, 2013, the 50 state winning designs will be opened up for a public vote. State winners will be flown to New York City for a national awards ceremony on May 22, where the National Winner will be announced. The winning artist’s work will be displayed on the Google homepage for a day and the student will win a $30,000 college scholarship, along with a $50,000 technology grant for his or her school. All of the State Winners will have their artwork on display at the American Museum of Natural History from May 22 to July 14. 

Entry forms can be downloaded from Google’s Doodle 4 Google site and completed doodles can be submitted by mail or online. Full classrooms and schools are encouraged to participate as well and an educator’s guide is also available at the site. For more details, including full contest rules and entry forms go to google.com/doodle4google. 

For more information on legislation, community events or state programs, please contact Rep. Manley at RepManley@gmail.com, or by phone at (815) 725-2741.