2022 High School Winners

Alex Pilz and Eleonore Vecchioli are in the 9th grade at St Paul’s Girls School in London. They have participated in numerous science competitions and learned about the video contest through a Google search when they were looking for an environmental contest to complete. The World of 7 Billion contest stood out to them because another student at their school was a winner last year. They chose the topic of agriculture and food because they started seeing articles about the enset crop and found it to be “visually interesting for a video.” They both studied population at school in the past, but learned more about possible challenges and solutions specific to Nigeria, including the enset, when completing the research for this project.

Alex and Eleonore didn’t have any experience creating a video like this one before. Eleonore enjoyed the time limit because it was a good way to think about “how to convey your point the best way possible.” Alex liked the idea of doing a visual entry like a video instead of an essay and “got interested in animation during the lockdown, so it was nice to be able to use that interest for the contest.” 

The most challenging parts for Alex and Eleonore were getting the script and pace just right. Alex noted that “it was hard to choose what we would take away/keep and how we would present it visually.” She suggests that future participants create the script first and then work on the video. Eleonore suggests to “think about a rough structure before you start writing, but be flexible.” For next year’s contest, Alex would like to see a topic on technology or education-based solutions to climate change.

Both Alex and Eleonore are interested in the environment. They are a part of the gardening club, Eco Action Committee, and the London School Eco Network at their school. Together, they won 1st place in the Climate Science Olympiad last year. In her spare time, Alex likes to play the piano, organ, and practice sign language. She also has over 20 pet chickens. Eleonore is a part of the UK Schools’ Sustainability Network and is on the debate team. Her role model is Jane Goodall, who she saw at COP 26 in Glasgow.  Alex really admires David Attenborough and appreciated that when she wrote him a letter to participate in their Youth Climate Summit in 2020 he replied with a video to share at the event. They aren’t sure exactly what they want to do in the future but they know that it will most likely be a career in STEM, possibly something related to environmental sustainability.