This article is part of a series focused on this year’s motto of Unum: Engage, which highlights how students engage as one in different groups across campus.
Let’s start with some critical thinking. Does growing up kill creativity? Are you fulfilling your high school experience to the fullest? Do you know the importance of independence? These are all topics that were covered at the TEDx CCHS Youth event that took place on March 21st.
12 student speakers were featured, representing all 4 grades, as well as two talks from adult speakers, Charles J. Threatt III and Aaron Martinez. Each year the event evolves into something greater. In the first year of the event in 2023, 125 people attended, the second year had 225 people, and this year 350 people came to support this event!
Not only did the speakers thrive on stage, but the TEDx CCHS Youth Committee excelled in putting together and running a wonderful event. Hannah Sperling, the Marketing Director of the TEDx committee highlights the committee’s role in the event. “Since August, the committee has been meeting regularly to put on the Poetry Under the Stars Event and the TEDx Event. The lights, sounds, photos, speeches, slides, food, and more would not be possible without the excellent planning of the committee,” Sperling says.
The Most Dedicated TEDx Committee award went to Pierce Millar ‘27, who was a past TEDx speaker. He went above and beyond to capture wonderful photos of the speakers and plan many aspects behind the scenes.
Natalya Fiore is the Founder & Lead Director of the event and it wouldn’t be possible without her drive, passion, and pride in prospering this event into what it has grown to become. Fiore explains what initially sparked her interest in TEDx: “I love doing projects with my students. Right away, even though we do a project for each unit, the TED unit stood out to students as something they loved.
“When I gave end-of-the-year surveys, they almost unilaterally said that was a moment they’ll never forget that changed them,” Fiore expresses.
From then on, Mrs. Fiore invited administrators into her room to witness the talks, as well as ask about putting on this event. Initially, she was given a no. The following year, she asked again as there was a new principal and got a yes, but for no pay. The year after that, she got a yes and with pay included. The support continues to grow and grow, and the kids work extremely hard for this event to happen.
Sophomore Olivia Farmer reflects on her journey to the TED stage, sharing both the challenges and triumphs of delivering a powerful message to an audience. To succeed at her TED Talk, Olivia practiced whenever and wherever she could, relying on the guidance of mentors who offered feedback on her strengths and areas for improvement. “I practiced in front of my family and friends to get familiar with speaking in front of others,” Farmer shared.
“I also videoed myself to listen back and see what I could do better in.” Despite all her preparation, Olivia admits that the experience also came with many challenges.
“The anxiety definitely took its mental toll on me. I was really nervous and scared to perform the talk,” she said. Ultimately, all the hard work she put in paid off.
“Overall, it was an unforgettable experience. I learned a lot about myself and what I’m capable of achieving. I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to share my voice,” Farmer summarizes.
Congratulations to Nate Lyons, Class of 2027 who was awarded Best Speaker in the Spotlight. His talk highlighted how meaningful friendships and staying true to one’s authentic self — including being a “nerd” — is more important than popularity in having a fulfilling high school experience.
The TEDx CCHS Youth event was truly a well-done production and each year it just gets better and better. The Cathedral community cannot wait to see what the future holds for this event! See you next year at TEDx CCHS Youth!
