WESTPORT, CT — A Bedford Middle School student won first place in the middle school economics category of the 2025-2026 World of 8 Billion student video contest, according to Westport Public Schools.
Katherine Rose Li, a sixth grader at the Westport school, was recognized for her 60-second video, "Hanging by a Thread," which focused on the environmental effects of fast fashion. Contest organizers announced the winners May 19.
The annual contest, sponsored by Population Connection, asks students to create public service announcements examining how global population growth relates to issues including energy, wetlands and economics. Organizers said this year’s contest received more than 5,000 entries from students in 63 countries.
Katherine’s video examined the environmental impact of inexpensive clothing that is often discarded in landfills and open spaces. The project also explored biodegradable fabrics as a possible alternative.
"All over the world, people like to purchase cheap clothes that end up piled in landfills and open spaces," Katherine Rose said. "If people continue to make these small decisions, it makes it worse around the globe."
As the first-place winner in her category, Katherine will receive a $600 prize, and her video will be featured on the World of 8 Billion website.
"It takes real skill to communicate a persuasive message in just one minute about urgent problems facing our growing world," said John Seager, president of Population Connection. "These students both explain complex issues clearly and think creatively about how we collectively can build a more sustainable future."
Added Bedford Middle School Principal Dr. Adam Rosen, "Katherine’s first-place finish is an outstanding accomplishment. She took a complex global issue and communicated it with clarity, creativity, and purpose. We are incredibly proud of her thoughtful work and the way she represented Bedford Middle School."
Teacher Sean Murphy said the project connected economic, environmental and ethical issues.
"What impressed me most was Katherine’s ability to connect economic, environmental, and ethical considerations into a creative, solution-oriented presentation," Murphy said. "Experiences like the World of 8 Billion contest are so valuable because they encourage students to think critically about real-world challenges and see how their ideas can make a meaningful difference."
Westport Public Schools congratulates Katherine on this outstanding accomplishment and celebrates the hard work,
originality, and critical thinking that led to this recognition on an international stage.
To view the full list of winning videos and learn more about the contest, visit the World of 8 Billion winners page.
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