Ann Arbor elementary student named winner of Google Doodle contest

Voting open for favorite design

"2050 utopia," the 2024 Michigan Doodle for Google Winner by Ann Arbor student Ellis Richardson. (Google)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A Google Doodle created by Lawton Elementary School student Ellis Richardson is among the 55 chosen as a winner for the tech giant’s annual Doodle for Google contest.

As the 2024 Michigan Doodle for Google Winner, Richardson’s design -- “2050s Utopia” -- incorporates different elements to show his wish for the future, like a tree, an apple and an electric vehicle.

Recommended Videos



“My Doodle tries to capture my hope for the future. I used each letter to represent one of these hopes. The letters represent rebuilding the environment, enough clean water for everyone, world hunger being solved, enough housing, renewable energy, and electric cars which would solve traffic pollution. All of these represent My Wish For The Next 25 Years,” he said.

In honor of Google’s 25th anniversary, participants were asked to show what they hope to see in the next 25 years.

Richardson’s design was one of thousands of submissions entered into the 16th annual contest. Designs came from all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, The District of Columbia, U.S. military bases and U.S. territories and freely associated states.

Each of the 55 winning Doodles is available in an online gallery, where Google is collecting votes for a National Winner. Look for Richardson’s design in the 4-5 grade category.

The five artists with the most votes will be chosen as national finalists, with one being crowned the National Winner.

Cast your vote here.

“We were amazed by the submissions we received. 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,” Google officials said in a release.

The 55 artists with winning designs were given Google hardware and swag, and had a small celebration showing off their art.


About the Author

Sarah has worked for WDIV since June 2018. She covers community events, good eats and small businesses in Ann Arbor and has a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from Grand Valley State University.

Recommended Videos