A TEDx event is a local gathering featuring unique content that is developed independently, but delivered in a similar manner and tone as larger TED events. TEDx events are community driven and aim to be free of bias, according to a statement from the Harrison school district.
The student organizers, Valerie Hesse and Madeline Rawson, put the event together to complete their Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) project, a requirement for those wishing to receive an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
According to the school district, the girls researched the process of holding a TED event, applied for a license, worked with high school administration and held bake sales in support of their project.
The presentations included:
- Miwa Goble - "The Future is Female"
- Emma Abramson - “Potential Therapeutic Treatment for Alzheimers”
- Mihoko Sakanaka – “Music for the Deaf”
- Tasha Garayo – “Vitamin B: Cognition & Academic Performance”
- Maxine Lieblich – “The Gender Gap in STEM”
- Amr El-Azizi – “Fundamentalism in the Modern Age”
- Sammie O’Reilly – “Autonomous Medical Choices and Adolescents”
- Connor Kelly – “The Changing Hetero-Normative Sphere”
The students also viewed two official TED talks, according to the district.
Hesse and Rawson said they were pleased with the event's outcome.
“Young people have a deep interest in many things and it is such a great opportunity for students to explore their interests and have a forum to present their findings,” Rawson said. “The more kids can communicate with others, the closer we can become as a community.”
According to the district, the girls plan to organize a second event next year and hope others will continue the idea once they graduate.
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