Lakeside School

Lakeside senior Kameirah J. has been announced as the winner of the 2026 Doodle for Google!

The announcement was made on June 4 on the New York set of The Today Show.

Doodle for Google is an annual art contest for U.S. K-12 students. Participants are encouraged to use their creativity to create their very own “Doodle” or interpretation of the Google logo.

The prompt for the contest is “My superpower is…”. Students are invited to celebrate their unique strengths and express them through original art. Kameirah’s work was one of five selected as a semifinalist from among tens of thousands of submissions. Titled “Hair Power: The Crown that Grows From Us,” it illustrates how her hair is a source of strength because it reflects her family history, culture, and lineage.

In her artist statement, she wrote: “My superpower is my hair and the family history it carries. Each texture and style holds culture, care, and survival passed down without words. Lying in the grass, our crowns rest without weakening. This kinky hair refuses conformity; it makes us different. Shaped by our lineage, our hair is undeniably beautiful.”

In April, people around the world voted for their favorite among five finalists. And after reviewing the results, guest judges Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ashlie Crosson named this year's winner: Kameirah!

Kameirah’s Doodle received the most votes during public voting and is featured on the Google homepage on June 4. As the winner, Kameirah will receive a $55,000 college scholarship. 

Google chatted with Kameirah to learn more about her artistic background and the inspiration behind her Doodle.

Google: How did you start making art?

Kameirah: I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was always drawing, painting, taking photos, making songs and finding ways to turn my ideas into something tangible. Art became a language for me, a way to explore who I am, process the world around me and connect with other people. Over time, it grew from a hobby into a passion and a central part of my life.

Google: Why did you enter the Doodle for Google contest?

Kameirah: I entered because I loved the idea of combining creativity with a message that could reach millions of people. The contest felt like a unique opportunity to use art not just for self-expression, but to encourage others and spark conversation about something important to me.

Google: What was the inspiration behind your superpower in your Doodle?

Kameirah: My Doodle, “Hair Power: The Crown That Grows From Us,” was inspired by the idea that our differences can be our greatest strengths. Growing up, I saw how Black hair could be a source of creativity, identity, culture and self-expression. I wanted to imagine a world where hair becomes a superpower, something that reflects the unique stories, talents and beauty within each person. Through the Doodle, I honored Black hair and culture as a living, growing force that connects people to their heritage, imagination and confidence.

Google: Why is this superpower important to you?

Kameirah: This is important to me because I’ve seen how often people, especially young people, are encouraged to shrink parts of themselves to fit in. As a Black artist, I’ve learned that the things that make us different are often the things that make us powerful. Hair is deeply connected to culture, history and identity, and I hope for a future where everyone feels free to embrace who they are without judgment. I want people to see their uniqueness not as something to hide, but as something to celebrate. My wish is for a world where every person can wear their crown proudly and recognize the beauty and strength they already carry within them.

Google: How does it feel to be the contest winner?

Kameirah: It feels surreal. I’m incredibly grateful and humbled by this recognition. Knowing that my artwork and message will be seen by so many people is both exciting and meaningful. More than anything, I’m thankful for the opportunity to represent young artists and to share something that comes from my heart.