Theme: TEDxYouth@ColtonHigh

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).

Colton High School
777 W. Valley Bld.
Colton, California, 92324
United States

Alexandra Buskirk

Alexandra Buskirk teaches Advanced Placement Computer Science, Mathematics, and is the Activities Director at Colton High School. She is also a candidate for a doctorate degree in education. Throughout her life, Alex has experienced challenges that almost stopped her from achieving her dreams. However, through relentless determination, she has been able to overcome the challenges that life has thrown at her.

Anabel Cebreros

Anabel is a student at Colton High School and member of her school's TED Ed Club. Since she was little she experienced racial separation first hand; even among members of her own ethnicity. In this first experience with TEDx, she shares her vision for a world without racial barriers.

Antonio Castro

Mr. Castro is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and the current Manager of the Department of Behavioral and Mental Health at the Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD). He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology/Ethnic Studies from California State University in San Bernardino in 2003, and obtained MSW degree in 2005. In 2014 he earned his License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW) and has been working in the field of mental health for the past 13 years. His professional experiences include clinical practice with various outpatient populations including individual and group therapy with court mandated clients, marriage and family therapy, outpatient substance abuse counseling, and school based therapy with children and youth from K-12 grades. In his current role at CJUSD since 2016, Mr. Castro has worked to establish a comprehensive school based mental health program that includes a Clinical internship program for 20 Social Work interns from local Universities.

Donna Robinson

Donna Robinson is the program manager for Colton Redlands Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program (ROP). She has managed the ROP courses in the Colton Joint Unified School District since 2013. She was a teacher for 18 years, teaching ROP Financial Services Occupations and Small Business Management. She has three sons, three grandchildren and three chocolate Labradors. She loves to travel and study history.

Jerry Almendarez

Jerry Almendarez was born in Colton California. He attended Colton schools during his early years and eventually graduating from Colton High School. He then went on to become a teacher and principal at his Alma Mater. Now proud Superintendent of the Colton Joint School District, Mr. Almendarez's mission is to inspire students that like him, have high goals and aspirations. Jerry Almendarez was recently selected as a TED Ed Innovative Educator (Cohort 4).

Jorge Cruz-Deleon

Jorge is a Senior at Colton High School in California, USA. He is the president of the MECHA club and a member of the Mock Trial Team at his school. Jorge has worked hard to promote the philosophy of Chicanismo within his community. After graduation, he plans to become a Civil Rights Attorney.

Lucy Leyva

Lucy is an English, Mock Trial, Academic Competition, and Public Speaking teacher at Colton High School in California, USA. She is also a mother, a fiance, and proud daughter. Lucy holds a BA in English from California State University San Bernardino and a Masters in English Literature from Cal Poly Pomona. In her 25 year tenure in education, she has served a diverse population of students that have inspired her through their own personal stories.

Mateo Cisneros

Mateo Cisneros is a Junior at Colton High School. He is the president of the TED Ed Club, Track and Cross Country Manager, California State Assemblymember Eloise Reyes "Young Legislator," and Vice President of the Audio Video Club. Most recently, Mateo has becoming involved with the opening of a Wellness Center at his high school. This Wellness Center would service student who are experiencing depression, anxiety, loss, etc. His mission is to create a space where students can decompress, talk to a professional or a peer and get assistance with their physical or mental health issues within the comfort of their school community.

Megan Gallagher

Megan is a youth motivational speaker, author, and blogger.