Theme: My Unique Contribution to the World

TEDxDePereMiddleSchool is a TEDxYouth event designed to highlight DPMS students, community members and innovative thinkers that have ideas worth spreading. The focus for this event will be on each speaker's unique contribution to the world around them, and how that contribution has impacted their life and goals for the future.

De Pere Middle School - LMC
700 Swan Road
De Pere, Wisconsin, 54115
United States

Aidan Rogan

Student

Aidan loves computers, technology, smartphones, and pretty much anything involving electronics! He enjoys building computers, listening to bands like Twenty One Pilots, Coldplay, and U2, and playing the drums. He has done a bit of programming, photography, and he even has his own tech YouTube channel! His favorite font is Ubuntu, he prefers to drink Raspberry Iced Tea, and he has one pet Labradoodle named Lennon (after John Lennon, of course).

Andrew Bishop

Student

Andrew was born in Dresden, Germany, and has moved four times since then. Included in his hobbies are soccer, archery, track and field, swimming, and video games. In school, he enjoys math and spelling. When he wants to unwind, he enjoys a trip in his dad's convertible.

Andrew Mand

Student

Andrew is a 13 year old who has a dream to one day become a successful actor. His dream of being on stage drew him into Ted-X. Andrew, a true positive person, wanted to come on stage to share with you all on how positivity can affect others around you.

Anna Konkel

Student

Between finishing schoolwork and participating in events, Anna enjoys reading, photography, and presenting. Her love of presenting goes back to when she was little and would put on shows at every family gathering with her three sisters. She also enjoys being active and healthy while spending time with her family and friends.

Ashna Bansal

Student

Ashna is an eighth grader at De Pere Middle School. She is interested in pursuing a medical career. Outside of school, she enjoys chess and has been playing the piano for eight years! She also takes part in math team. In her leisure time, she enjoys putting henna and making canvas paintings. Her parents came from India, and now they live in De Pere, Wisconsin. A strict vegetarian, she has concern for animal suffering and she likes to advocate for this rising issue.

Aubrie Thompson

Student

Aubrie is an Eighth grader at De Pere Middle School. She enjoys playing softball, volleyball, and drawing. She also likes spending time with family and friends, in addition to traveling.

Chris Jaure

Software Developer at Jobvite

​Chris Jaure is a software developer at Jobvite. He graduated from Silver Lake College in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Some of his strongest programming languages include Javascript and Ajax. Chris, along with Mike P and MIke R, are members of the Northeast Wisconsin "TIME" community, which stands for Tech, Innovators, Makers, and Entrepreneurs.

Dave Wegge

Executive Director Emeritus & SRI Research Associate Strategic Research Institute Professor Emeritus St. Norbert College

Dr. Wegge brings a wide variety of experience and expertise to our stage. In fact, one could say he is the most famous of our speakers! He has been interviewed by much of the media in the state of Wisconsin. The work he does with the Strategic Research Institute has been featured in publications all over the country. He was also the founder of the St. Norbert College Strategic Research Institute (SRI), which Nate Silver of the 538 blog for the New York Times rated as one of the most accurate pre-election polling organizations in the country. Dr. Wegge served as its Director for fifteen years from 1983 to 1998. He then returned to that role in 2009. Dave served as a faculty member at St. Norbert College from 1979 to 2014. He received his B.A. degree from of the University of Minnesota-Duluth and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He taught courses on executive leadership, state & local politics, political parties & elections and research methodology & statistics.

Ella Leis

Student

Gabriella, an eighth grader at De Pere, loves to be outside and try new things. She loves to perform and dance. She hopes to inspire people with her ideas and help make a difference in the world.

Hannah Freund

Student

Hannah is an eighth grade student who is incredibly excited to be a part of this event! She enjoys reading, writing, and performing. She also loves traveling, talking about the spacetime continuum (she finds it fascinating), and playing her guitar, ukulele, and piano. Most importantly, she hopes you enjoy her talk!

Jolie Guyette

Student

Jolie lives in De Pere, Wisconsin. In her free time, she likes to ride horses, write stories, and read books. She has two birds, one brother, and many cousins whom she enjoys spending time with. Her favorite subjects in school are English and art.

Josie Hogeland

Student

Josie is eighth grade student at De Pere Middle School. In her free time, she enjoys reading and writing. She also likes playing volleyball with her friends and spending time with her family. Josie is very excited to share her unique contribution to the world and had a great time with preparing her presentation.

Kate Kowalczyk

Student

Kate is an ordinary eighth grader. She enjoys drawing, reading books, and playing softball. In addition, she plays piano and trombone. When Kate grows up, although it’s unlikely that she ever will (humor intended), she wants to be a graphic designer.

Kylie Trousil

Student

Kylie is a seventh grader at DePere Middle School. She really enjoys school with math being her favorite subject. Having actively been a part of TAG for the last three years, Kylie got to go on a cool one day retreat this year. She is also involved with the school through many sports, participating in Cross Country, Basketball, and Track. When Kylie is not busy with school, she enjoys hanging out at her cabin and with her family.

Lexy Lipsh

Student

Lexy is a seventh grade student at DePere Middle School. She enjoys playing her five sports and baking. Lexy’s favorite subject in school is math; she participates on her school’s math team

Lori Ellison

Cosmetologist

Lori is a mother of two daughters, Presley (14) and Peyton (11). She resides in De Pere and works full time at a local spa as a cosmetologist.

Louella Greene

Student

Louella is a sixth grader at Foxview Intermediate. One of the subjects that she enjoys the most in school is ELA. When she isn't focused on academics, she is honing her abilities as a dancer. She spends most of her time at her studio practicing and working hard for big competitions. Goal setting is also very important to Louella as she strives to overcome new challenges.

Madelyn Coble

Student

Madelyn is an eighth grader at De Pere Middle School who would like to express her thankfulness to be apart of this event. She enjoys acting and figure skating. Her passion in life is to be as happy as a person can be. She would also like to thank everyone who watches TEDxDePereMiddleSchool!

Matthew Brundidge

Student

​Matthew Brundidge is an eighth grade student at DePere Middle School. He is an assistant karate instructor, and enjoys food and anything chocolate. He plays many school sports like football and track.

Mike Putnam

Solutions Consultant at Omni Resources

Mike Putnam is currently a solutions consultant at Omni Resources but has worked on the programming field since the late 90's. He is also one of the founders of the Appleton Makerspace. He brings his vast experience in a variety of programming languages and positions to our stage!

Mike Rosack

Solutions Consultant at Omni Resources

Mike Rosack is also a solutions consultant at Omni Resources. He has worked in a variety of areas, but it currently focused on projects related to the .NET framework. He has numerous Microsoft certifications, and considers C# (pronounced C-sharp) to be one of his specialties.

Mya Rentmeester

Student

Mya is a 7th grader at De Pere Middle School. She was born in Yangzhou, China and was adopted at the age of one and half. She has lived in De Pere since. She has played piano for nearly nine years and has earned her black belt in karate after only three years of training.

Natalie Hamacher

Student

Natalie likes to race soap box derby. She has been to Nationals three times! She has lots of friends in many different states. Closer to home, she also has a younger brother, a dog and a bird. For fun, she enjoys reading and hanging out with my friends.

Olivia Ravet

Student

Paige Ravet

Student

Olivia and Paige are 8th grade students at De Pere Middle School. They love to perform in forensics together and camp with their family in the summer. One interesting fact about Olivia is that she's is allergic to the cold. One unique tidbit about Paige is that she spends most of her time either on the volleyball court or on the softball field. They are extremely grateful to be given an opportunity to share their important story. They hope you enjoy!

Patrick Moeller

Student

Patrick Moeller is a eighth grade student at DePere Middle School. He is involved in school sports like football and track and enjoys being around others. He has had to overcome many difficulties in his life, but continues to be inspired by his sister, who despite having special needs, continues to teach Patrick new things about life.

Peter Flucke

President of WE BIKE, etc., LLC

Peter is the President of WE BIKE, etc., LLC a consulting firm specializing in the areas of Engineering, Education, Enforcement and Encouragement for walking, bicycling and healthy communities. As an avid bicyclist, runner and outdoorsman, Peter brings passion to his work to help create healthy communities and citizens by improving pedestrian and bicycle safety and access. Peter has a degree in Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and Forestry and a minor in Environmental Law Enforcement. He is a nationally certified League Cycling Instructor and former Trainer with the League of American Bicyclists, a Police Cyclist certified by the International Police Mountain Bike Association, a Pedestrian Safety Instructor for the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center and a well-respected national presenter. Peter is a former law enforcement officer and bike cop.

Shayla Cauldwell

Student

Many people think Shayla is shy, but she actually loves to present in front of people. Being in plays and participating in events like these have boosted her confidence and helped her to become a better speaker. Besides public speaking, some of her other interests are baking, crafting, riding horses, and spending time with her friends and family.

Stephanie Schallhorn

Marketing and Community Relations Manager

Stephanie is the Marketing and Community Relations Manager for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Green Bay. Stephanie was born and raised in Racine, WI, but fell in love with Northeastern part of the state when she attended UW-Green Bay. She graduated with a degree in Communication with a double emphasis in public relations (PR) and organizational communication. She returned to the area in 2014 to join the Club’s team after working for two years at Laughlin Constable, a branding and advertising agency, in Milwaukee. In addition, she is on the Marketing Committee for the Bay Area Humane Society, is active in the Current Young Professionals group, and is a Graduation Coach to three local youth.

Sylvia Mihailescu

Student

Sylvia is an 8th grade student at De Pere Middle School. Her favorite activities include playing the piano and participating in the school math team. In addition, she enjoys hiking in the woods with my family.

Tracy Flucke

Co-President of WE BIKE, etc., LLC

Tracy has served in various roles in municipal government for the past 30 years. Her career includes serving as a Recreation Programmer, Parks and Recreation Director and Municipal Administrator in several communities. In these roles she worked with staff, elected officials, advocates and citizens to help create healthy and active communities by improving pedestrian and bicycle safety and access. Tracy has a Masters of Science Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation Administration. After a successful municipal career, Tracy decided to join Peter in the family business to expand the company’s offerings and expertise. Tracy has been an avid bicycle commuter for most of her career. She is an experienced public speaker.

Trevor Ramm

Student

Trevor is 13 and lives in De Pere, Wisconsin. He has spent his free time riding BMX, wrestling and playing baseball. He wants to someday work at google as a software designer. Regardless of his future career, Trevor wants to continue his goal of spreading positivity.

Will Bredael

Student

Will is an eighth grade student who is hoping for a growth spurt to push him past his 5’2 ¾” stature. He plays both trumpet and piano. He also enjoys eating pizza and corn dogs.

Will Soquet

Student

Born and raised in De Pere, Wisconsin, Will just tries to do his best in life. He runs cross country, and competes in 5ks and 10ks. His other interests include his hometown Green Bay Packers, collecting sports cards, and all things NASCAR, especially following his favorite driver, Kevin Harvick.

Yash Mohan

Student

Yash enjoys reading, writing and video games. His only wish is to help people out in any way he can. He wants to use TedxDePereMiddleSchool to get his message out into the world.

Zach Hodgdon

Student

Zach lives in De Pere, Wisconsin. He is a 7th grade student at De Pere Middle School and is involved in Boy Scouts, 4H, and is on an underwater robotics team. His hobbies include reading, writing poetry, playing the bass guitar, hunting, and building sometimes random, but most times, quite useful things. His favorite subject in school is math. He is very interested in space, and is looking into aerospace engineering as a career.