Join us for this exciting event celebrating the culmination of Bedford’s Rev Up 250 Student Video Contest, where students in grades 8-12 were challenged to create short videos reflecting on America 250 years after the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence.

The evening will feature winning student films and a dynamic panel discussion with a distinguished panel of highly accomplished and engaging speakers exploring the student filmmakers’ themes and ideas designed to inspire youth civic engagement and spark meaningful conversations about values, community, and how America has evolved over the past 250 years.

A special thank you to the Life Stories team for reviewing submissions and selecting the outstanding young filmmakers who will be featured and awarded Rev Up Scholarship prizes generously provided by coalition members.

Panelists:

John Cronin is an acclaimed environmental leader and educator named a “Hero for the Planet” by Time Magazine. During a career spanning five decades, he has earned widespread recognition as an innovative advocate and educator.  He has worked as a pollution investigator, policymaker, author, and filmmaker—including serving as an environmental advisor in government and helping advance major environmental legislation, including protection of the Hudson River.

As an accomplished author and filmmaker, he co-authored The Riverkeepers, with an introduction by Al Gore, and has written widely on environmental policy for major publications including The New York Times, USA Today, and The Hill. He wrote and co-produced The Last Rivermen, a documentary on the Hudson River fishing industry that received Academy Award consideration. He has been featured on national broadcast outlets including Today, CBS Sunday Morning, NBC Nightly News, and CNN, and profiled by leading publications such as The Wall Street Journal, People, and The New Yorker.

He currently serves as Executive Director of the Gale Epstein Center for Technology Policy and the Environment at Pace University, where he works with students to develop innovative solutions to today’s environmental challenges. John is passionate about inspiring young people to use their voices, get involved, and help shape a more sustainable and just future.

Dan Friedman is the Artistic Director at Bedford Playhouse and participated in developing it from a shuttered antiquated theater into a state-of-the-art cinema and cultural arts center.  A lifelong film fanatic, he coordinates programming for films, live performances, lectures, and other special events.

Campbell McKendry is a Senior Content Producer, Everytown for Gun Safety – the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country – focused on digital and social advocacy.  Campbell is from Katonah and attended John Jay High School before attending Bates College with a double major in Politics & History in 2024.

Moderator:

Jessie Spellmann-Mignone is a Westchester-based photographer and social media strategist, and the creator of “What’s in Westchester,” a platform with over 100,000 followers highlighting local events and businesses. She also serves as a content creator for a number of local businesses and is highly regarded for her ability to use storytelling to connect brands with their communities. Jessie is passionate about inspiring young people to use social media creatively to share their voices and connect with their communities.

Rev Up Scholarship Prizes generously provided by:

• Bedford Historical Society
• Chowder & Marching
• Life Stories
• John Jay Homestead
• The Women’s Civic Club of Katonah

Program Partners:

• Bedford Historical Society
• Bedford Playhouse
• Life Stories
• Town of Bedford

Rev Up 250 Student Video Competition winners to be announced shortly.

Come support these talented students and be part of an inspiring community conversation!