POWELL, Ohio — Earlier this year, Benjamin Kurian, 12, from Powell took part in an international video competition put on by World of 7 Billion and Population Connection.  

What You Need To Know

  • The 7th grader at Olentangy Liberty Middle School was fascinated with Aquaponics and created a video

  • Three thousand students in grades 6 through 12 from 48 countries and 45 U.S. states participated in the competition

  • Kurian said he plans on taking part in the World of 7 Billion competition next year

The 7th grader at Olentangy Liberty Middle School was fascinated with Aquaponics and created a video explaining how aquaponics doesn't require any maintenance and produces food without wasting any water. 

“I think I had a pretty good chance since I had prior experience making videos,” he said.

Three thousand students in grades 6 through 12 from 48 countries and 45 U.S. states participated in the competition. 

Kurian anxiously checked his inbox until he received this email in late April.   

“'We're so happy to inform you, that your video has won first place in the middle school agricultural and food category'—I'm starting to remember the exact moment that I read it, you know, and I was so happy,” said Kurian. 

Kurian received $600 prize money for his 60-second video. 

While he said some money will go into his savings, he does plan to buy more equipment for future videos. 

Kurian, who is also in the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra, said he plans on taking part in the World of 7 Billion competition next year. 

With high school just a few years away, he's already setting some goals for himself. 

“I'd like to get really good at math in high school because I'm really interested in it. And I would be really good in making videos, 'cause I found that as a really good passion for me,” said Kurian.