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).

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Grace Smith

This is Grace’s first year with TEDx, and also her debut. Grace is a sophomore at Oak Knoll, and a dedicated athlete. Her passion for athletics led her to research this topic. Grace began to care deeply about balance and emotional support for athletes after reading the book What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagen. Through her talk Grace is hoping to raise awareness of the monumental pressure and extraordinary expectations faced by high school and college athletes as well as for the urgent need for support. Aside from TEDx, Grace is also a member of the Oak Knoll Lacrosse Tram, One Live Club, Mental Health Club, FBLA, and Criminal Club. In addition, she is a peer mentor for children with special needs.

Grace Smith

This is Grace’s first year with TEDx, and also her debut. Grace is a sophomore at Oak Knoll, and a dedicated athlete. Her passion for athletics led her to research this topic. Grace began to care deeply about balance and emotional support for athletes after reading the book What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagen. Through her talk Grace is hoping to raise awareness of the monumental pressure and extraordinary expectations faced by high school and college athletes as well as for the urgent need for support. Aside from TEDx, Grace is also a member of the Oak Knoll Lacrosse Tram, One Live Club, Mental Health Club, FBLA, and Criminal Club. In addition, she is a peer mentor for children with special needs.

Kelly Troczynski

Kelly is a junior at Oak Knoll School, and she has been a member of TEDx since her freshman year. In her debut talk Kelly will share her findings about the deliberate tactics employed by social media outlets to keep the teens hooked as well as how this affects the mental health of users. This topic is important to her, as she is seeing these effects everywhere in her daily life, and she knows that something needs to change. Aside from TEDx, Kelly is also a member of the tennis, track, and math teams at Oak Knoll. She loves math and history and she is hoping to pursue a career in business.

Lexi Zukowski

As a second-year member of TEDx, Lexi will be delivering her second talk. When Lexi took the TEDx stage last year for the first time, she spoke about the power of stories to bring people together and have a positive impact on our lives. This year she explored the topic of technology. Lexi was motivated to share this talk after reflecting on her own screen time and dependence on electronics. Aside from TEDx, Lexi is also a member of Lacrosse, Cross country, and Track trams, Ski club, and One Live club.

Sarah Kuhl

A junior at Oak Knoll, and third year TEDx member, Sarah will be delivering her first talk. Her passion for creating delicious treats led Sarah to explore this topic. While researching this topic, Sarah became fascinated by how certain tools, ingredients and processes allowed for baked goods to take the form they do today, and she is hoping to convey the idea that this beloved culinary field has changed and is continuing to change to accommodate the needs and wants of the age. Baking motivates Sarah to pursue a passion that she loves and teachers her that she is capable of persevering and improving all aspects of her life. When she is not baking, Sarah plays tennis and runs track at Oak Knoll. She also plays the piano, does volunteer work, and is hoping to pursue a career in law.