Theme: Your Voice, Your Passion

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).

Branson Junior High
263 Buccaneer Dr
Branson, Missouri, 65616
United States

Adam Barbee

Adam Barbee is a history teacher at Branson Junior High School. He is also the boys tennis coach.

Adam Donyes

Founder and President at Kanakuk Link Year

Adam is passionate about maximizing the potential within each and every individual that steps foot onto Kanakuk Link Year’s campus. He has been speaking across the Nation and World for the past 10 years. He holds an active role in the teaching aspect of Kanakuk Link Year and operates as an ad-junct Professor for the Communications course at John Brown University.

Anabelle Bissonette

7th Grader in Branson Junior High School

Andrew Makuch

7th Grade Student at Branson Junior High School

Annika Arjes

7th Grade Student at Branson Junior High School

Anthony Hays

Educator and Coach at Branson Public Schools

Brenda Diehl

Educator at Branson Public Schools

What if each person understood that they matter and that their life is on purpose to give to this world? This vision is what drives Brenda's thinking. She has worn many hats in the community and has taught and spoken for the last 15 years. She currently teaches 7th grade Science and Emotional Intelligence at Branson Junior High School. She has founded an organization called thisworldneedsyou.com.

Brynleigh Hill

7th Grade Student at Branson Junior High School

Cameron Boss

7th Grade Student at Branson Junior High School

Chloe Ray

7th Grade Student at Branson Junior High School

Craig Wescott

President and Owner at The Track Family Fun Parks

Dr. April Hawkins

Principal at Branson Public Schools

Serving 20 years in the educational arena K-12 as teacher, principal, athletic director and coach, April Hawkins is a “life coach”, passionate about the power of positive thinking to enhance drive, motivation and energy to achieve on and off the court! As a two sport collegiate athlete, Hawkins received her Bachelor of Science from College of the Ozarks. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Missouri State University and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri. Hawkins has also served as an adjunct professor for Missouri State University. In her free time, she continues to coach club volleyball and holds lifetime IMPACT certification. Her husband Jeff, serves as Deputy Chief of Taney County Ambulance District and they have 3 children- Alli (16), Jake (14) and Kami (14).

Dr. Brad Swofford

Superintendent at Branson Public Schools

Brad Swofford is superintendent for the Branson School District. Swofford earned both his graduate and undergraduate degrees from Missouri State University and a doctorate from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He has been a resident of Branson for the past 23 years when he began his career with the Branson School District. Swofford has been a classroom teacher, coach, building principal and is currently district superintendent. Community affiliations include: the Branson–Hollister Rotary Club; Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, board member; Community & Economic Development Advisory Council (CEDAC); Cox Hospital-Branson, board member; and Skaggs Foundation, board member; Swofford holds membership in the Missouri Association of School Administrators and the American Association of School Administrators. His wife Kara is a professor in the education department at College of the Ozarks. They have three daughters

Dr. Sue Head

Vice President of Cultural Affairs and Dean of Character Education at College of the Ozarks

Sue Head is the Vice President for Cultural Affairs and Dean of Character Education at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, Dr. Head oversees The Keeter Center for Character Education, School of the Ozarks Laboratory School (K-12), Development, Student Life, Public Relations, and Alumni Relations.

Dr. Travis Brawner

ENT-Otolaryngologist at Ozark Mountain Ear Nose-Throat

Elizabeth Barnes

7th Grade Student at Branson Junior High School

Graci Calovich

7th Grade Student at Branson Junior High School

Heleena Haberer

High School student at Branson High School

James Hogue

Kids Across America Director

Jason Reinsch

Assistant Director Parks & Recreation in Branson, Missouri

Jason Reinsch serves as the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Branson. Prior to his three years with the city, he coached and taught at College of the Ozarks. Athletics have been a life-long passion for him, and his involvement in sports has taught him many life-skills such as perseverance, responsibility, and the importance of a strong work ethic. He enjoys working in parks and recreation, spending time outdoors, mentoring to the younger generation, being actively involved in his church, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Jonas Arjes

Executive Director at Taney County Partnership

Kennedy Brooks

7th Grade Student at Branson Junior High School

Rachel Wood

Deputy Director Marketing & Air Service Development and Vice-President FlyBranson Travel

Rachel Wood attended University of MO-Kansas City & MO State University graduating with an Accounting Degree. She was then hired as a Sr. Internal Auditor for Leggett & Platt, traveling to the company’s worldwide locations, performing operational & financial audits. In 2000, she returned to Branson as CEO for Outback Properties. Rachel was hired in 2008 by the Branson Airport and was on the original team that built & opened in 2009, the first privately developed commercial service airport in the U.S. She is the Deputy Director of Air Service Development & Marketing & Vice-President of the airport’s travel company-FlyBranson Travel. She is actively involved in the community by serving on the Tourism Community Enhancement District Board, Branson Chamber Board, District Marketing Council & Tri-Lakes Women’s Initiative. Rachel was chosen by Airport Business Magazine as one of the “Top 40 under 40 Leaders in Aviation,” voted on by her fellow peers in aviation in the U.S.

Serenity Lawrence

7th Grade Student at Branson Junior High School

Shannon Pagen

Educator at Branson Public Schools

Shannon Pagan, a 4th-grade teacher in Branson, Missouri, has taught 3rd-5th grades for 29 years and considers teaching her dream job. Many great teachers influenced her, and it’s always been her life’s dream to influence children. She received her Bachelors and Masters in Education degree from SMSU, and was hired to teach at Taneyville. For 20 years, she honed her teaching craft there. In 2010, she moved to Branson Public Schools where she continues to grow in her profession. She’s hosted student teachers in her classroom and served as team leader for her grade level. She’s been truly honored to have been awarded the Central Bank Teacher of the Month in to have been awarded the Central Bank Teacher of the Month in 2008 and 2014, and in 2017, she was named a Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year for the Southwest District. After 29 years, her passion continues to grow. It is simply what she was meant to do.

Summer Holt

7th Grade Student at Branson Junior High School

Tatym Gettling

7th Grade Student at Branson Junior High School

Trish Helsel

Executive Women's Director, K-2 Women's Director at Kanakuk Kamps

Trish graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a teaching degree in English, Physical Education, and Biology, and an emphasis in coaching. Trish taught and coached at Branson High School for combined 14 years before going full time with Kanakuk. Her passion is to spur on the next generation to recognize and reach their full potential. She is the mother of 3 incredible kids: Bo,29; Tee, 26; and Shayla, 20.