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A flag with stars and stripes, symbolizing freedom and hope for the future.
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Freedom Lights the Future

Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary in Midland, Michigan

Ignite the next 250 years with us at Northwood University on Friday, March 20th, 2026.

Northwood University invites you to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with a full day of immersive history, live entertainment, and community celebration.

From Revolutionary-era reenactments to a free evening concert, Freedom Lights the Future brings families, classrooms, and the Midland community together to honor America’s founding ideals and look boldly toward the next 250 years.

Text graphic reads: "FREEDOM LIGHTS THE FUTURE" in large, bold letters with a gradient color scheme and star accents—perfect for the Freedom Lights the Future Festival or featuring at a free rock concert.

student video essay contest

Our Republic: Can We Keep It?

A grey silhouette of the United States over an American flag background with the text “Our Republic”, “How can we keep it?”, and a nod to Freedom that lights the future.

Isaac Fernandez

Honorable Mention

A red, white, and blue arrow curves upward over a faded US Constitution and flag, symbolizing Freedom and the Future, with the words "Wisdom," "Faith," and "Courage" along the path.

Lillian Lauzon

Honorable Mention

The Statue of Liberty stands with torch raised, shining as a beacon of freedom against a hazy, golden sky, with water and distant land evoking hope for the future.

Noel Tokarev

Runner Up

A young woman with long hair sits indoors in front of a blue wall, wearing a black shirt and a blue knit vest, looking slightly upward with a neutral expression as soft lights hint at dreams of the future.

Natalie Dowell

Runner Up

A young man in a gray hoodie with a red winged wheel logo sits at a wooden table, a candle lighting his thoughtful face, with a red Chevrolet sign glowing in the background—capturing the quiet hope of the future.

Gibson Brown

1st Place Winner

Text "AMERICA 250" with "250" in red, white, and blue ribbon design on a pink background, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States and highlighting a future filled with freedom.

Ava Lason

Runner Up

A group of men in 18th-century attire gather around a table, presenting a document to a seated figure in a formal, historic room, as rays of light stream in—symbolizing hope for freedom and a brighter future.

Mathilde Champagne

Runner Up

A young man with light brown hair sits at a table indoors, wearing a dark zip-up jacket, as warm wooden walls and a glass display case frame the scene—capturing a quiet moment where freedom lights the future.

Reagan Page

Honorable Mention

A young man in a dark blue Gymshark sweatshirt stands indoors near a light gray wall and a white door, quietly reflecting on his future under the soft lights.

Elijah Smith

Honorable Mention

Faculty Panel

We Hold These Truths: How the Declaration of Independence Shaped America

Before the Mall Walk activities began on March 20, 2026, distinguished Northwood faculty held a panel entitled “We Hold These Truths: How the Declaration of Independence Shaped America.”

Featuring Dr. Brett Decker, Dr. Glenn Moots, and Dr. Michael Makovi, and moderated by Economics Chair Dr. Dale Matcheck, this panel explored how the Declaration’s foundational principles influenced America’s political institutions, economic freedoms, and culture of opportunity.

A rolled parchment labeled "We the People," symbolizing freedom, is tied with a ribbon and rests on red, white, and blue fabric resembling the American flag.

Experience Living History

The Founding Era Came to Life on Campus

Students, faculty, staff, and community members stepped into an immersive Revolutionary-era experience featuring live portrayals of Benjamin Franklin, Abigail Adams, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton, along with militia demonstrations and a curated museum exhibit in the Four Seasons Space.

Five men in 18th-century attire gather around a table, examining a large document that will shape the future, in a historical, black-and-white illustration.
Four men in vests and sunglasses pose enthusiastically in front of a wooden wall, with three pointing at the camera and one raising a fist, capturing a moment that radiates freedom and excitement for the future.

Gather as a Community

A Complimentary Evening Concert Celebration

The evening featured Jedi Mind Trip, a Michigan-based classic rock cover band known for high-energy performances that keep the crowd engaged. This all-ages celebration also included guest performances from Northwood students, Brayden Lape and Steeler Leep.

Questions?

Contact Us

Kate Hessling

(989) 837-4923

Kendal Petzold

(989) 837-4243

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