Theme: Aspire

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).

Watchung Hills Regional High School
108 Stirling Road
Warren, New Jersey, 07059
United States

Abby Kotar

Student

Anchal Dhir

Student

is a senior at Watchung Hills Regional High School as well as Vocational and Technical High School, with a focus on vocal and acting training. She is currently President of The International Thespian Honors Society, a member of Tri-M Music Honors Society, and a member of Script and Cue club. Although Anchal has dedicated herself to performing arts throughout high school, she also travels around the world engaging actively in community service. Anchal is excited to participate in her first TEDx event, and hopes to share what she learned about the importance of seeking spiritual balance in the material world.

Eliana Sussner

Student

is a junior at Watchung Hills and a member of several clubs, including Speech and Debate, Model UN, and the Robotics team. She loves writing, reading, and learning new things, including history and languages. Presently, she expects to be looking towards a STEM major with a possible minor in creative writing. Her talk hopes to reassure students in the audience that they will eventually learn to balance their passions and find a career. She hopes to remind them that the path to finding the ideal career may not be linear, but will still be achievable.

Emma Kotar

Student

is a junior at Watchung Hills Regional High School. In school, Emma attends many clubs, such as GSA, Speech and Debate, Model UN, and Dance Ensemble and enjoys taking classes in many different subject areas. Outside of school, Emma enjoys dancing, playing her instrument, and exploring other arts including drawing and writing. Tonight, she will be talking about aspiring to become an individual with her twin sister, Abby.

Isha Nagpaul

Student

is a sophomore at Watchung Hills Regional High School who is thrilled to participate in this TEDx event. She engages in many after-school clubs, such as Future Doctors of America, Mock Trial, Model UN, and B.E.L.I.E.V. club, and would like to study medicine in college. Isha loves Bollywood dance, playing her instrument, reading, and volunteering at Overlook Hospital. Her talk tonight is inspired by her experiences and she will be discussing the the common high school norms, and how she has learned to navigate them. She hopes to inspire others to find their paths.

Ishika Agrawal

Student

is a senior at WHRHS who will be attending Cornell in the fall. She is passionate about music, having played at Carnegie Hall three times and is the current co-president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society at WHRHS. Additionally, she organizes local volunteer music performances. She is actively engaged in serving the community as a writer, advocating for social justice through the UNICEF Voices of Youth. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family.

Matthew Dellibovi

Teacher

has been teaching Physics at Watchung Hills Regional High School for the past fourteen years. As a college graduate without a teaching certificate, Mr. Dellibovi received his pedagogical training through New Jersey’s Alternate Route program. His many successes and failures in the classroom have helped him develop into the self-reflective, student-centered educator he is today. Mr. Dellibovi holds a B.A. from Case Western Reserve University and a M.A. in Education from Saint Peter’s College. When he is not teaching, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, getting outdoors, and cooking.

Shefali Sahay

Student

is a senior at Watchung Hills Regional High School who is looking forward to studying at Mason Gross School of Arts in fall of 2019 presently. She plans to major in graphic design and minor in digital marketing and communications. She loves watching Netflix and Disney movies, and enjoys art and fashion. Shefali’s talk is inspired by how it is important for one to overcome challenges, and she will display some of her own artworks in her presentation.

Surya Rai

Student

is a sophomore at Watchung Hills Regional High School. He is an active participant in the Diversity, Economics, Model UN, and Mock Trial clubs; Surya aspires to be a lawyer when he grows up. Outside of these clubs, Surya plays three instruments, including the piano, drums, and baritone, and he has played basketball since 6th grade. Tonight, he will be discussing the anxieties students face as adolescents, and will provide assurance that High school assessments and experiences may not tell the “whole” story regarding future success.