Derynoski Student a National Finalist in ‘Doodle 4 Google’ Contest

When Derynoski Elementary School second-grade student Hope Scalise decided to enter the national “Doodle 4 Google” contest earlier this year, it was simply about doing a fun activity and creating a piece of art that she could be proud of.

Hope never anticipated that her art would be chosen as the Connecticut winner and give her school a chance to win $50,000 from Google for the purchase of new technology.

“I just thought it would be something fun and I drew the first thing that popped into my head,” said Hope, just 8-years-old. “I never thought I would have a chance to win anything.”

See Scalise’s drawing and vote for it today by clicking the link!

Hope is one of just 10 students in kindergarten through third-grade that had their drawing selected to be a national finalist from a selection of more than 130,000 entries into the “Doodle 4 Google” contest, sponsored by Google.

A total of 50 winners were selected from five different groups, one from each state, and the five finalists will each have an opportunity to vie for the national title, a $50,000 grant for their school and a $30,000 scholarship for themselves, according to Google.com.

Jan Verderame, principal at Derynoski Elementary School, said it was an honor to have a local student selected and added that she is proud to see a hard-working student like Hope receive this kind of recognition.

“Hope has always worked so hard and shown an incredible artistic talent,” Verderame said. “We couldn’t have a better student representing our school.”

The school will host a special ceremony Thursday to honor Scalise and unveil her drawing for the entire community, she said.

See Scalise’s drawing and vote for it today by clicking the link!

Hope’s mother, Dagmara Scalise, said the entry started as a fun activity for Hope and her siblings to take part in on a colder day. Scalise had found the link online and suggested her children draw something to enter the contest as a way of having fun.

As Hope’s piece came together, however, she said that she knew right away that it could turn into more than just a simple drawing activity.

“As soon as I saw her drawing, I thought to myself ‘holy cow, I think we have a shot’,” Scalise said. “I think she really nailed the theme this year, which was to draw something that reminded them of their best day ever.”

Hope said she drew inspiration from the fun times she had at summer camp and the thought that one day she may be able to go skydiving. She added that she is more excited about seeing her school possibly compete for the grand prize.

“I just like thinking about all the new technology our school could get,” she said.

For more information on the “Doodle 4 Google” contest, or to vote for Hope’s entry, visit the link provided. Voting will run through May 10.

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