Hoover Institution (Stanford, CA) — The Hoover Institution is proud to announce the winners and runners up of Ideas in Motion, a creator competition honoring the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The competition challenged participants from across the country to reflect on America’s founding ideals and to connect those principles to the nation’s civic life today.
Submissions originated from adults as well as students attending schools and universities across the country. Their creative short videos explored the principles of the American founding, the continued relevance of the ideals articulated in the Declaration of Independence, and the responsibilities of today’s citizenry to carry forward the “Spirit of ’76.”
“We were glad that so many students and adults responded to our call to engage with America’s founding ideals through creative short video production,” said Hoover Institution Chief Creative Officer Shana Farley. “The submissions show that Americans from across the country remain engaged with, and inspired by, the philosophy of the Founding.”
Each winning contestant will receive $2,500. Runners up and an honorable mention will receive a $1,000 cash prize.
High school sophomore Faith Ducksworth of Texas won the student division with her submission, “Mr. Jefferson, What is the Declaration of Independence?”
College freshman Roman Aytur of California is the runner up in the student division with his submission, “The American Spirit is Everywhere.”
Stephen Kristoff of California won the adult division with his submission, “Unfinished Promise - The Spirit of 1776.”
Nephi Boren of Utah is the runner up in the adult division with his submission, “The Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God.”
Mark Frederick of Pennsylvania received an Honorable Mention for his submission, “The Spirit of '76: Ideas in Motion.”
Excerpts of each awarded video will be posted to Hoover’s social media accounts. Follow Hoover on X, TikTok, LinkedIn, or Instagram to see these creative takes on America’s founding values as they are posted.
In the weeks ahead, Hoover will launch its final competition celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Student participants will submit essays engaging with a counterfactual historical scenario surrounding the Founding.
Follow Hoover on social media and subscribe to the Hoover Daily Report to stay informed of all the Institution’s upcoming USA@250 competitions, events, and publications.
For additional information please contact hoovermarketing@stanford.edu.
