LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Lexington high school student Milo Golding on Monday was named the winner of the 13th annual Doodle for Google competition, selected out of 54 state and territory winners.
We’re live with the winner of this year’s “Doodle for Google” competition! 🎨 pic.twitter.com/f7EgPoEs5l
— 3rd Hour of TODAY (@3rdHourTODAY) June 14, 2021
The artwork of the Lexington Christian Academy junior will be featured on Google’s homepage on Tuesday for 24 hours. Golding will also receive a $30,000 scholarship and a $50,000 technology package for his school.
"On behalf of the entire commonwealth, congratulations on winning Doodle for Google," Gov. Beshear said. "Your talent is truly incredible. And the story behind your artwork is beautiful, personal and inspiring. I see your strength. I also see that hope your father taught you about. And now, your work will inspire hope in others. Congratulations. And thank you for sharing your talents."
"We are so proud of Lexington’s talented young people. Milo, your future is bright. Thank you to Google for supporting our youth," Mayor Linda Gorton said.
"Milo is one of those truly special young people who makes our school, community, commonwealth, nation, and world a better place," said LCA Head of School, Dr. Scott Wells. "Milo's message of hope is a powerful and courageous statement that inspires those around him to be a difference in the lives of others. This morning, he inspired our nation when word of his story broke in the news."
The contest which was open to K-12 students across the United States asked students to design a Google Doodle inspired by the theme “I am strong because...” Golding chose hope.
"I put I am strong because I have hope,” Golding said. “One of the main reasons for that is I remember having a conversation with my father about how he went through life's obstacles to become who he was, and he said, 'Hope. Hope makes me strong.'"
Tragically, his father passed away of a heart attack when Milo was just 13, but he said it has been that message of hope his father instilled in him that has motivated him to achieve goals and give back to his community; it's also the soul of Milo's doodle.
Gov. Andy Beshear and Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton are set to honor Golding at an event at 1:45 p.m. Monday at Lexington City Hall.
Check out Golding’s artwork, along with all 54 state winners here.
