Theme: Who are we?

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, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. 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).

East Mecklenburg High School
6800 Monroe Road
Charlotte, North Carolina, 28212
United States

Vint

Vint, a hard-core rock band based in Charlotte, North Carolina, performs their electrifying original, Keepin’ On, a song about getting through rough times.

Ashleigh Fields

Ashleigh Fields is a current ninth grader who has loved to write since before she could even read. She enjoys reading poetry books and enjoys sharing her own work in poetry slams and competitions. Her favorite poet would have to be Maya Angelou, who has helped define her in every way. When asked the question, “Who am I?” Ashleigh says she would have to define herself by simply saying she cannot be defined at all, for she is a hand-sculpted piece of art and art has no definition. She will be performing an original piece of poetry.

Caroline Koricke

Student

Caroline will be discussing her experiences as the founding leader of a tutoring program for limited English proficient students at East Mecklenburg called Emerging Scholars.

Ecab Amor

Student

Ecab Amor is an 11th grade student at East Mecklenburg High School. He was born in Mexico City, Mexico which is a huge contributor to his personal identity. Starting in Karate from the age of 2, Ecab has become a world recognized martial artist, forming part of the Hyper Mexico team. Having won regional, national and world titles, his passion for Karate has taken him to many great places both in the ring and in school. Ecab moved to the US at age 12; this new change has opened his eyes to many lifestyles and mindsets of the world. In the future, Ecab wishes to become an international lawyer, fighting for the dignity and rights of others.

Hanna Wondmagegn

Student

Noticing the amount of food that got wasted in her high school, Hanna Wondmagegn created a Food Recovery program that collects uneaten, pre-packaged foods such as milks, salads and fruit cups, which is then picked up by an organization that distributes the food throughout the community. Tackling the issue of community hunger and food waste, Food Recovery is a revolutionary program that can change how our food is eaten. As well as advocating for the end of hunger and food waste, Hanna splits her time between leading the school’s Special Olympic sector, Project Unify, and representing the junior class on Junior Board. An avid reader and writer, she has pursued her passion of journalism by working on the school’s newspaper ‘The Eagle’ for two years both as a staff writer and as an upcoming managing editor.

IB Physics 3

Students

Amanda Roberts, Bryana Polk, Jack Stanford, Nick Nicholson, and Ethan Laney discuss futurology.

Jelani Holloway

Student

Jelani Holloway is a junior at East Mecklenburg High School. When the rigor of the IB program doesn't have him sweeping up the shards of his hopes and dreams, he spends his time listening to a vast array of music. He is also a poet, who in 2014 published his first poetry book "The Noggin of Natural: The Descent into Madness". In the future, he plans on becoming a musician, a middle school teacher, and an ambassador for the Swagadelic Society.

Leo Merrick (Host)

Student

Leo Merrick has been in acting classes since he was four and began acting on a professional level four years ago. This TEDx event marks his first hosting opportunity and he is extremely excited to be a part of it. Leo Merrick would like to thank the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Dennis Delamar, Lon Bumgarner, and Nicia Carla.

Moises Castillo

Student

Moises Castillo is a Minimalist. He is very enthusiastic and dedicated to helping out the community and younger or older people with what he has learned. He has been fortunate to meet a great deal of amazing people and teachers in his life, and to be in the IB program that pushes its students past their comfort zones. He wishes to help the audience take something home to the heart, to really put thought into what their life goals may be, and to consider how they can minimize their challenges and situations with 5 easy steps that he will go in-depth with: Goal, Priorities, Time, Organization, and Execution.

Stephanie Suster

Student

Stephanie Suster was born in Caracas, Venezuela and moved to the US in 2001. She has lived in Boston, Dallas, and Puerto Rico before moving to Charlotte, NC. She is an avid fan of oldies music (particularly Billy Joel and Elton John). Stephanie also loves to read, write, and play soccer.