Three students from Copiague Middle School — Mikaella Gonzales, Gabriella Agtuca and LeShae Maybank — were named middle school global finalists for their submission in the World of 8 Billion student video contest. Sponsored by Population Education, a program of the nonprofit Population Connection, the contest invites students in grades 6-12 to explore the challenges of population growth and propose sustainable solutions. 

More than 3,275 videos were submitted this year from around the world. Participants chose one of three global topics — economics, energy or wetlands — and created a 1-minute video that included at least one idea for a sustainable solution to the challenge. The Copiague students created a video in the economics category called “Bridging the Divide of Wealth Inequality.”

Now in its 15th year, the World of 8 Billion contest has engaged more than 35,000 students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 countries. Each year, topics are updated to reflect current global trends and challenges. The 2026 judging panel included 57 experts from around the world.