Drakes Creek Middle School student named national ‘Doodle for Google’ finalist

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) - Drakes Creek Middle School student Aleesha Niyorukundo was selected as a national finalist for the 2024 “Doodle for Google” contest.

The announcement comes after Niyorukundo was named the contest’s state winner. Now, she will compete against 54 other contestants for the national title.

According to a press release in January, Google announced its 16th annual Doodle for Google contest, alongside its “My wish for the next 25 years...” prompt. The company asked students across the country to share their wishes through their art.

Niyorukundo’s 25-year wish was for a world at peace, free from poverty and homelessness. Her submission, titled “The Colors of Peace,” included the statement:

“My Doodle represents a world at peace in 25 years. This will allow people to have fair learning opportunities, children to be themselves and not worry about the safety of their countries, and people to focus on making the Earth a cleaner place. It will allow poverty and homelessness to be solved.”

She expanded on her statement, saying that people should be able to have equal opportunities, comparing the United States to other countries where she says women do not have as many freedoms.

This is her second time submitting work to this contest. She said she entered in third grade; though she did not win that time. This time, an art club assignment drove her to try again. Her older sister, Joyeuse Niyokwizera, says she has always had a passion for art.

“Aleesha’s always been a drawer, at least, I wanna say since Kindergarten. She [is] always drawing when she comes home from school,” Niyokwizera said.

Niyorukundo’s artwork was one of 55 state and territory winners out of tens of thousands of submissions. Each winner received Google hardware and merchandise alongside participating in showcases of their creations. She also won a t-shirt and a Google Chromebook.

Niyokwizera says her friends and family were surprised by the win and consider this a big achievement.

“Everybody’s proud because she represents Kentucky,” she said. “Most people in the U.S. think that Kentucky is a hillbilly state and with her succeeding, it’s like no, ‘We’re not hillbillies, we’re not just country folk. We’re educated, and we have goals, and we see a future for ourselves.’”

Drakes Creek Middle School held a school ceremony to reveal Niyorukundo’s win. Her sister said the family knew two weeks prior but found it challenging to keep the win a secret.

“It was pretty difficult to hide something so big,” she said. “In our house, it’s pretty open and wherever you turn, there’s someone listening, it’s like the walls have ears.”

Niyorukundo said she got the hint when her family bought her an expensive dress for the ceremony.

She’s now hoping to inspire her younger sister, another passionate artist, and possibly enter more art contests.

All 55 submissions received Google hardware, swag and held celebrations in their hometowns to showcase their artwork. They will now advance to a national contest where five national finalists will be selected. Niyorukundo hopes to make it that far.

The winner will earn a $55,000 scholarship and a $50,000 technology package for their school or a nonprofit of their choice.

Public voting for the national finalist phase ends June 5 at 1:59 a.m. CST. Niyorukundo’s doodle is in the Grades 6-7 category.