Kameirah Johnson has achieved an impressive milestone, transitioning from a finalist to the national winner of the Doodle for Google competition.
Following her recognition as one of the top five contenders in Google’s yearly student art contest, Kameirah, a senior at Lakeside School, was declared the winner of the 2026 Doodle for Google competition. The announcement took place during a segment on NBC’s TODAY show, where she shared her triumphant moment with viewers nationwide.
During her appearance on the morning show, Kameirah expressed her excitement, stating she was “super excited” about the opportunity to convey her message to such a wide audience.
This year’s Doodle for Google competition posed a challenge to students to creatively interpret the theme, “My superpower is …” Kameirah’s winning piece highlights hair as a profound emblem of identity, cultural heritage, and the resilience passed down through generations.
Her artwork, titled “Hair Power: The Crown That Grows from Us,” beautifully depicts three figures—drawing inspiration from herself, her mother, and her sister—lying on grass, with their hair styled into regal crowns.
Growing up, she said her mother taught her to appreciate her hair, culture, and identity.
“When I was a little kid, I’d go to preschool and every single week I’d have new hairstyle, whether it’s braids, afro puffs, etc.,” Kameirah shared with Today. “And she just really taught me to love my hair and love my culture and who I am.”
Kameirah Johnson, a Lakeside School student and winner of the Doodle for Google contest, will give the $50,000 technology package she won to Rainier Beach High School instead.
— The Seattle Times (@seattletimes) June 6, 2026
As the grand prize winner, Kameirah received a $55,000 college scholarship. The winning school is also awarded a $50,000 technology package, but Kameirah requested that the prize go to Rainier Beach High School, which serves a larger number of Black students and students from underserved backgrounds.
This fall, the teen plans to attend New York University, a school she has dreamed of attending since she was 11 years old. She plans to study economics and studio arts and hopes to combine her interests in art and business with the goal of one day owning her own art gallery.