2023 High School Winners

Bisola Akintunde is in the 9th grade at Crestwood School in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She discovered the World of 8 Billion student video contest as she was searching for ways to create videos about science, combining her two passions. Her school has an amazing science program that allows students to be innovative and participate in contests like these. She chose the topic of gender equality because it was something she could relate to, noticing that there were more boys than girls in her science class. Bisola realized that not everyone in the world had access to the education she does in Canada and wanted that to change. She was surprised to see the millions of girls around the world that are not in school and is concerned that gender equality issues will only continue with a growing population.

Bisola loves making videos but before the contest had only created them for school projects. She found writing the script to be the most challenging part because it was hard to decide what would be the most impactful information to include. Before filming she looked at different videos online for ideas on how to make her script come to life, which helped convey her message. Some advice she has for future participants is to “make a real life connection that relates to your experiences”, and think about how your video connects with your audience as well. Bisola would like to see a topic on environmental justice and racism around climate change, and how our actions and behaviors as consumers can impact the environment.

Besides creating videos, Bisola is a part of the Science Olympics team at her school and recently finished second for grades 7-9, for their watershed prototype that would help mitigate flood levels. She also sings and plays piano at her church choir, and with her brother on their YouTube channel, where they write many of the songs they share. Her parents inspire her to always try her best and apply her strengths. She loves helping people and putting a smile on their face and is thinking about a future in medicine or neurology.