Northwood University is proud to announce the winners of a video contest sponsored by the Charles M. Bauervic Foundation that awarded cash prizes to students whose original videos explored the theme, “Our Republic: Can We Keep It?”
The winning entries were unveiled during the March 20 Freedom Lights the Future Festival, a hallmark of Northwood’s nearly year-long observance of the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Gibson Brown, of Midland, earned first place and the contest’s $2,000 grand prize. The following students were named runners-up and each received $500: Natalie Dowell of West Branch, Alexander Noel Tokarev of Midland, Ava Lason of Flint, and Mathilde Champagne of Aizenay, France. Four students received honorable mention recognition and $100 awards: Isaac Fernandez of Holland, Elijah Smith of Pinckney, Reagan Page of Zeeland, and Lillian Lauzon of Pinconning.
Brown’s winning video reflects on the importance of preserving liberty for future generations, stating that freedom includes the opportunity to create, to speak without fear, and to work without government interference. He says safeguarding freedom requires vigilance and courage.
“It requires us to stand tall when others want to trade freedom for free handouts,” Brown adds. “If we fail to act now, the slow, quiet expansion of government will continue. But if we step up and defend the principles we were founded on — individual rights, limited government, free thinking, and free enterprise — then the American story doesn’t end here; it begins again stronger than ever before.”
Northwood Economics Chair Dr. Dale Matcheck explained the contest’s theme was inspired by Benjamin Franklin, who, when asked what kind of government America’s founders had created, answered, “A republic … if you can keep it.”
“The winning videos are a testament to the passion and conviction our students have in the belief that freedom truly lights the future,” Dr. Matcheck added. “Northwood University is grateful to the Bauervic Foundation for supporting this celebration of the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.”
To view the winning “Our Republic” contest entries, visit Northwood University’s Freedom Lights the Future webpage.
