A Starry Night in Joshua Tree Inspires a National Finalist
In an impressive achievement, Allison Rhee, a student at Irvine Elementary School, garnered national recognition by ranking in the top five of the 15th annual Doodle for Google student contest. Inspired by a memorable family trip to Joshua Tree, Rhee’s submission beautifully captured the essence of her experience.
The contest, which tasked students across the country with expressing their gratitude through art, prompted Rhee to illustrate her family’s camping adventure. Her artwork, titled “Joshua Tree,” depicted a starry night sky, a cozy campfire, and her family engaging in stargazing. Intriguingly, Rhee skillfully incorporated the visual elements of her trip to spell out the word “Google,” using a roasted marshmallow on a stick to represent the letter “L.”
The Inspiration Behind the Art
Reflecting on her inspiration, Rhee expressed her love for stargazing and cherished moments spent with her family. She recounted her joy at witnessing the stars and relishing in the delight of making s’mores during their Joshua Tree excursion. The experience provided her with a sense of awe, realizing the vastness of the universe and appreciating the blessing of being part of her loving family. Rhee and her mother engaged in conversations about the stars throughout the memorable night.
An Unexpected Recognition
While Rhee is passionate about art, she never expected the recognition she received through the Doodle for Google contest. Participating was simply another enjoyable opportunity for her to express her creativity and have fun with drawing. The remarkable achievement of making it to the top five was an unexpected delight.
The Importance of Family and Gratitude
Despite the national acclaim for her Google Doodle, Rhee remains grounded and primarily grateful for her family’s presence in her life. She deeply treasures her parents, older brother Jacob, and their latest addition, the adorable puppy Maru. They provide her with care, support, and make her feel truly special. Rhee acknowledges that without their love and guidance, her journey in this world would not be as meaningful.
When asked to define the concept of gratitude and its significance, Rhee spoke about the importance of humility and understanding others’ perspectives. Gratitude, to her, means being humble and empathetic, recognizing that life’s challenges cannot be overcome alone. She emphasizes the value of seeking help from others and appreciating the love and support bestowed upon us, which brings happiness and brightens the lives of both individuals and their loved ones.
Celebrating a Remarkable Achievement
Although Rhee never anticipated winning the contest, she and her family are jubilantly celebrating this incredible accomplishment. The entire experience has been filled with joy, and they cherish the opportunity to share stories and memories that will endure for years to come.
