Isabella Stephens, of Davison, Michigan, is the winner of the Translate the Declaration pop-up contest Northwood University held during the March 20 Freedom Lights the Future Festival, part of Northwood’s nearly yearlong celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
The contest featured a prize trip for two to Washington, D.C., to see the original Declaration of Independence in the National Archives Museum.
“I am so excited to go and explore our country’s capital,” said Stephens, who was among several students who participated in the contest in the Four Seasons Space on March 20, 2026. Students had two hours to translate one of the most enduring passages in American history, and entries were judged on creativity and the successful translation of the Declaration’s ideas into modern language. Several Northwood faculty members participated in the judging process, including Freedom Lights the Future Academic Leads Dr. Dale Moler and Dr. Gabriel Benzecry.
“It was impressive to see the strong engagement and participation from students,” Dr. Benzecry stated.
“Congratulations to Isabella on a thoughtful and spirited submission,” added Dr. Moler. “Her entry did an excellent job capturing the enduring meaning of the Declaration of Independence in language that feels fresh and accessible. She also fully embraced the spirit of the event, arriving dressed in period-inspired attire that added a memorable and fitting touch to the contest.”
Stephens’ winning translation reads:
“After the repeated abuse we’ve faced, we have come to the conclusion that these beliefs are the TRUE foundation for a prosperous and flourishing country. Everyone is born with the same very precious natural rights that give people freedom, property, and the allowance to seek out satisfaction in life. It is the government’s sole purpose to protect and help facilitate these rights. And it is only the people the government protects that can give it its power. So therefore, when the government starts to impose on those sacred, God-given, intrinsic rights, it becomes the people’s duty to change that power (whether it be democratically or revolutionarily) and bring the focus back to the people. Because the government cannot get away with diminishing these rights or else you’ll see the shell of your citizens.”
In addition to the Translate the Declaration pop-up contest, other highlights of the March 20 Freedom Lights the Future Festival included a faculty panel exploring how the Declaration of Independence shaped America, historical reenactments on the Mall Walk, and an evening concert in the Hach Student Life Center. Visit northwood.edu/freedom-lights-the-future for updates about future events Northwood will host this year in celebration of America’s 250th.
