CAPE ELIZABETH – Isabel Robertson, an 8th grade student at Cape Elizabeth Middle School, is one of 50 state finalists of an art contest to redesign Google’s homepage logo.

Called Doodle 4 Google, the annual promotional competition, now in its fifth year, received more than 114,000 entries around the theme “If I could travel in time, I’d visit … ”

Robertson opted for a present-day nature scene inspired by a memorable sun-dappled day in woods behind her house when, while building forts with a friend, they saw two deer. She used watercolor pencils for her depiction, which will go on display at the New York Public Library and, if chosen as the national winner, will earn her a $30,000 college scholarship and her school a $50,000 technology grant.

“She’s quiet, she’s confident and she’s very artistic,” said CEMS art teacher Marguerite Lawler-Rohner of Robertson, who was recognized at a school assembly Wednesday morning attended by two Google representatives. “We had a lot of beautiful entries, but I can’t think of a more deserving person.”

Online voting for the national finalists from five grade categories (K-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-12) will continue through May 10.

Google will host all 50 state finalists in New York City for an awards ceremony May 17, when the national winner will be announced. The winner’s artwork will be featured on Google’s homepage for 24 hours on May 18.


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