Teaneck Student Wins International Video Contest

TEANECK, NJ — Ruby Ha, a Teaneck middle-schooler won first place in an international video contest.

The annual World Of 7 Billion contest explored population growth and its potential impact on preserving biodiversity, using sustainable resources, and protecting human rights. Ruby Ha won first place in the preserving biodiversity category. Population Education sponsored the contest.

Ha's video is titled "In Your Backyard." The Benjamin Franklin Middle School student is "concerned by the prospect that the earth might not be the same one day."

Ha saw the contest as a "great opportunity for her to be creative and make a statement," she said.

Ha used stop-motion techniques to create her video. She learned the basics of video production at a summer camp two years ago. Her video showed steps people can take to preserve the planet's biodiversity, including using fewer pesticides and encouraging plants like clovers and dandelions to grow in yards.

She won $1,000. Ha wants to purchase film equipment with her prize money. She wants to combine her video production skills and her passion for humanitarian work. She also wants to improve access to education for people throughout the world.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com