Theme: Perspectives and Prospects

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).

Osceola Performing Arts Center
1137, 3141 N Orange Blossom Trail
Kissimmee, Florida, 34744
United States

Angelina Richardson

Vocal Major, Junior Student

Angelina Richardson has a passion for music and her experience exploring that pathway inspired her TED Talk, entitled "Comfort Zones and Taking Risks."

Armani Rosario

Creative Writing Major, Senior Student

Armani Rosario is a hardworking future journalist who actively participates with the Speech and Debate team on campus. She is delivering two TED Talks at this event- one on polyamory, the other on male victims of sexual assault.

Brandon Rossell

Drama Student, Freshman in High School

Brandon Rossell is taking a step away from his passion for acting and, instead, exploring the realm of psychology. Brandon's TED Talk is entitled "Fight, Flight, or Freeze- What is it?"

Brendan Guillen

Creative Writing Major, Junior Student

Brendan Guillen is a young journalist, seeking opportunities to explore philosophical and societal issues. His TED Talk is entitled "Socialization in the Modern Era."

Caroline Centeno

Creative Writing Student, Sophomore in High School

Caroline Centeno participates in Speech and Debate and Model UN. She is also a reporter for the school newspaper. Her talk is entitled "The Effects of Stress on Student Performance."

Dana Torres

Vocal Major, Freshman Student

Dana Torres is an athlete, artist, and academic. Her TED Talk is entitled "Building a Healthy Relationship with Yourself."

Ethan Baez

Creative Writing Student, Senior in High School

Ethan Baez is a young poet who thrives when working on collaborative project. As a creative writing major, he has worked alongside the drama and dance departments. He is also a national qualifying Original Orator within the Speech and Debate community. Ethan's poetry and dance collaboration will be presented in his TED Talk, entitled "Imagination Behind the First Date."

Jacqueline Pavlat

Orchestra Major, Senior Student

Jacqueline Pavlat is excited to present her TED Talk, "Where are her Clothes? An Analysis of Women in Video Games." She will be attending UCF in the fall for game design and hopes to make games more accessible both in terms of inclusivity / diversity and for those who cannot use a standard controller.

James Joseph

Orchestra Major, Junior Student

James Joseph is stepping outside of his comfort zone on the stage. He is typically seen performing with an orchestra but, here, will be delivering a TED Talk entitled the "Morality Behind Comic Books."

Jenny Sanchez

Drama Major, Sophomore Student

A leading member of the local Speech and Debate community, Jenny Sanchez presents a TED Talk entitled "Conversion Therapy and Our Complicity."

Justin Nazario

Creative Writing Major, Sophomore Student

Justin Nazario is a published poet studying creative writing. His TED Talk, entitled "An Ode to the Unfinished Sentences of my Suicide Note," discusses the prevalence of suicide in today's youth and the findings of his research.

Kenneth Gonzalez

Band Student, Senior in High School

Kenneth Gonzalez is a clarinet player who is taking this opportunity to present a personal TED talk entitled "Understanding Death."

Madisyn Butler

Dance Major, Freshman Student

Madisyn Butler, an excellent contemporary dancer, is taking the time to present to a receptive audience her TED Talk, "The Negative Impact of Homework."

Mikayla Loffredo

Visual Arts Major, Sophomore Student

As a person who is unapologetic about herself, Mikayla Loffredo is interested in the more unique aspects of society. Her TED Talk, entitled "The Church's Best Friend: Understanding Satanism" is bound to spark conversation about religion and stereotypes.

Molly Lavoie

Drama Student, Senior in High School

Molly Lavoie is the founder of March for Our Lives OCSA. She is also an active member of the drama department, working in the tech, acting, and directing roles. She is seeking a career in political advocacy. Her talk is entitled "A Call to Action for Youth: Why we Should be Political."

Najeera Williams

Dance Student, Senior in High School

Najeera is an outstanding academic and artistic student. Her TED Talk is entitled "Sleep Paralysis" and it details her experience and research with this personal struggle.

Nicoli Califano

Technical Theater Major, Senior Student

Nicoli Califano is a child of a police officer who decided to research police brutality in this country. Through his research, he has moved back and forth along the spectrum of the Black Lives Matter movement and is sharing his thoughts about race relations and the police force in his TED Talk.