Mauna Loa School second-grade student Lewis Cameron was selected as a finalist for the 2023 Doodle for Google competition for the state of Hawaii.
His artwork has the chance to be featured on the homepage of Google, where millions of users will see his work.
“It’s just so unbelievable and beautiful to win a contest like this,” said Cameron. “It inspires me to continue doing artwork.”
His entry, titled “Connecting to Nature,” features a variety of Hawaiian plants and flowers that remind him of home. Small painted stones spell out Google.
The theme for the competition was “I care for myself by …,” something that registered with Cameron and his passion for art.
“In our family, we disconnect from our devices together to connect with each other and nature,” he said. “All of the plants are in our garden where we enjoy them, do artwork, play, swim and barbecue together.”
Cameron’s mother described him as curious, creative and keen to learn, noting Cameron has won several other art competitions including first place at the Hawaii Nei Art Competition in 2020.
Cameron enjoys making art in a variety of mediums including pottery, ceramics, screen printing, cooking, poetry, breakdancing and playing the violin.
“He’s a very well-rounded student,” said Jeanette Teehee, Cameron’s teacher at Mauna Loa School. “We have the artwork hanging in our room now. It’s pretty cool.”
As the state winner, Cameron will receive a laptop, “smart garden” and other Google swag that he plans to take advantage of.
His artwork will now move on to compete for the national title in the K-3 category across 54 states and territories.
The national winner will take home a $30,000 college scholarship, and their school will receive a $50,000 tech package toward a computer lab or technology program.
Google will announce the five national finalists later this month.
While he’s hopeful for the results, Cameron knows one thing for certain: He’s inspired to keep making artwork in the future.
Email Grant Phillips at gphillips@hawaiitribune-herald.com
