Doodle 4 Google Winner Gets Key to the City

In the past week, and appeared on national television, but last night seven-year-old may have gotten his greatest honor in his home town.

On Wednesday night, South San Francisco Mayor Kevin Mullin presented the Doodle 4 Google winner with a key to the city as well a certificate of recognition from the city council.

"We have something tonight that we don't often have, which is a celebrity in the house," Mullin said. "You must've been under a rock for the last couple of weeks in South City if you haven't heard about this one."

Lopez, a second grader at Monte Verde Elementary School, contest with outer-space themed take on the Google logo. His graced the Google homepage on Friday; he also won a $15,000 college scholarship and a $25,000 technology grant for his school.

The council played a tape of Lopez's appearance on the Today Show for the audience at Wednesday night's meeting. Lopez watched from his mom's lap, grinning.

In addition to his parents, Lopez's teacher, Cynthia Velez, and school principal, Deborah Mirt sat in the audience supporting him. Mullin noted that Lopez went to the Parks and Recreation preschool program and participates in the Monte Verde after school program.

"Everyone's trying to claim credit for this one, okay?" Mullin said. "At a time when local communities face so many challenges, it is wonderful to recognize such a positive accomplishment."