Katherine Rose Li, a sixth grader at Bedford Middle School in Westport, Connecticut, has achieved remarkable recognition by winning first place in the economics category of the 2025-2026 World of 8 Billion student video contest. Her 60-second video, titled 'Hanging by a Thread,' focuses on the environmental consequences of fast fashion, particularly how inexpensive clothing contributes to landfill waste. The contest, organized by Population Connection, received more than 5,000 entries from students in 63 countries, showcasing the global interest in addressing population-related issues. As a reward for her outstanding work, Katherine will receive a $600 prize, and her video will be prominently displayed on the World of 8 Billion website. John Seager, the president of Population Connection, commended the participants for their ability to convey urgent global issues in a concise manner. Bedford Middle School Principal Dr. Adam Rosen and teacher Sean Murphy also praised Katherine for her creativity and the depth of her project, which effectively connected economic, environmental, and ethical considerations. This recognition not only highlights Katherine's talent but also underscores the importance of youth engagement in global sustainability discussions.