The Center for American Civic Leadership & Public Discourse welcomed faculty, students, and guests to an afternoon of civic engagement and celebration during its Open House on April 10 at Spigner House, where the winner of the America 250 Video Competition was announced.

Attendees had the opportunity to connect with fellow students, faculty, and staff interested in civic leadership and public discourse, while also learning more about the Center and its mission. A highlight of the gathering was the screening of the winning student submission to the video competition, “Protecting Freedom,” created by USC student James Hedrick.

The video competition was launched earlier this year in honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Organized by the Center, the initiative invited all currently enrolled students to participate by creating short videos that engaged with the prompt, “Is freedom in peril?”

During the Open House, Colin Wilder, Assistant Director of the Center, presented Hedrick with a $400 prize in recognition of his work. The Center’s Executive Director, Chris Tollefsen, also delivered remarks, reflecting on the importance of thoughtful civic engagement and the Center’s ongoing efforts to promote it.

At the event, Trinity Metts, a member of the Francis Lieber Undergraduate Forum and winner of the America 250 Essay Competition $1,000 prize in December 2025 was also recognized.

The event served as a celebration of student achievement and an invitation for deeper involvement with the Center’s programming.