The auditorium at Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute came alive with ideas, emotion, and bold visions for the future as six student speakers took to the stage for TEDxYouth@LPCI: Onward, Upward — an independently organized TEDx event focused on uplifting youth voices.
From personal journeys to social critique, each speaker offered a unique perspective on the challenges facing their generation — and the possibilities that emerge when young people are given space to speak, reflect, and lead.
Grade 10 student Anahid A. shared with the audience a call to action around personal safety, highlighting the importance of self-defense education in schools. She urged students to take ownership of their safety and advocate for curriculum changes that reflect real-world concerns.
Alex B., Grade 11, narrated his candid exploration of social media’s double-edged nature. While acknowledging its connective power, Alex invited the audience to rethink their relationship with screens and time, asking: What — and who — are we choosing to pay attention to?
Rhea G., a Grade 9 student, delivered one of the most moving talks of the evening. Drawing from her lived experience, she challenged assumptions about disability and reminded the audience that inclusion starts not with sympathy, but with respect and equal expectations.
Focusing on one of the most talked-about issues in education, Grade 11 student Zane K. spoke passionately about the potential — and the current pitfalls — of AI in schools. He called for a more thoughtful approach to integrating artificial intelligence into learning, one that prepares students for a world that is rapidly changing.
Otis S., in Grade 12, took listeners on a poetic and deeply personal journey through grief, healing, and Indigenous storytelling. Blending myth and memory, her talk resonated as a powerful reminder that mourning is not weakness — it is part of what makes us human.
And Trinity T., also in Grade 12, tackled the growing crisis of inattention. Drawing from her recent ADHD diagnosis and her daily experience as a student, Trinity shared practical strategies for regaining focus in an age of constant distraction — and reminded the audience that paying attention is a skill we can rebuild.
The event drew an engaged audience of peers, educators, families, and community members, all of whom left with a renewed sense of the insight, empathy, and leadership today’s students bring to the table.
This is an independently organized TEDx event. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. This is not an official TED event.
TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged.
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About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
