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).

The Masters School
49 Clinton Avenue
Dobbs Ferry, New York, 10522
United States

Alex Nappo

Student

Alex Nappo has always been interested in mathematics, competing in the AMC 10 and 12 high school mathematics contests, attending the Westchester Math Circle, completing summer courses at NYU’s Courant Mathematics Institute, and tutoring local students. In his free time, he is a guitarist in two bands, plays baseball, illustrates, and runs The Masters School’s Chess Club. As he did when creating a statistical model for Masters’ recreational basketball club, Alex seeks to spread his joy for mathematics and make it more accessible to others.

Amaris Asiedu

Student

Amaris Asiedu is often found in the art studio with headphones on. She has always been interested in activism and advocating for those whose voices have been taken away. That’s why she is heavily involved in diversity, equity and inclusion leadership initiatives: to work toward a world where no one is silenced and where everyone’s humanity is seen and acknowledged.

Ashleigh Woodruff

Student

Ashleigh Woodruff enjoys music, art and participating in track and volleyball. At The Masters School, she holds leadership roles including captain of the volleyball team for three consecutive years, co-president of the Dobbs Athletic Association, and peer leader for two incoming freshman advisories. Ashleigh also participates in a mentorship program for students of color. As a leader in the Masters community and a competitive volleyball player, Ashleigh is constantly in the public eye, giving her the perfect vantage point for understanding the risk of embarrassment.

Aviv Emery

Student

Aviv Emery spends her time writing, talking to people, and, as she highlights in her TEDx Talk, worrying. She writes for The Masters School’s student-run newspaper, Tower, and is the co-founder of the student-run club Bridge USA. Aviv loves to make new friends and is often found listening to music tucked in a library pod.

Eli West

Student

Eli West is an aspiring Jewish scholar most passionate about religious studies, American-Jewish history and interfaith relations. West has worked closely with organizations including the Jewish National Fund, New Zionist Congress and the American Jewish Committee. When he is not writing about his Jewish-LGBTQ identity for The Masters School’s student-run newspaper, “Tower,” and the student-run journal, “Casa Shelem,” he helps run Thompson dorm as a senior proctor.

Elijah Brooks

Student

Elijah Brooks loves music, drawing and playing video games. As a boarding student at The Masters School, his schedule is packed with responsibilities. Even though school can be a lot at times, it has afforded him invaluable experiences and many opportunities, and he would not change his time at Masters for the world.

Ella Horowitz

Student

Ella Horowitz is an active member of The Masters School’s Model UN, and is constantly exploring new topics of interest, including, most recently, golf and piano. Having most of her middle school experience dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, she is overjoyed to be able to be back in person at a school with all her friends. She was diagnosed with ADHD halfway through elementary school and in the course of overcoming struggles with it has learned many things about herself and ADHD as a form of neurodivergence.

Ian Stein

Student

Ian Stein has attended The Masters School since the fifth grade. He spent his junior year living in Zaragoza, Spain, through a program called School Year Abroad (SYA), where he improved his Castellaño and perfected his siesta-taking abilities. Now he strives to destigmatize, demystify and raise awareness about all things seizures and epilepsy.

Luca Lorance

Student

Luca Lorance has always had a passion for contributing to The Masters School community. From being secretary of Community Government to a residential assistant in the dorms, Luca finds ways to keep busy and productive. Alongside being a student, outside of school, Luca has been an active employee at his local Dunkin’ Donuts for the past two years and has found it to be surprisingly fulfilling.

Noah Lin

Student

Noah Lin is an aspiring soundtrack artist and a video game enthusiast. Video games have played an important role in his life since childhood, and over the last several years he has been enthusiastically playing and analyzing video games as works of art in their design, psychology and aesthetics. He has soundtracked multiple game jam submissions, immersed himself in the world of game design, and is excited to share his perspective through his TEDx Talk.

Ryan Guan

Student

Ryan Guan is a boarding student from China. Living in two completely different societies, Ryan has developed interest in sociology and linguistics. He has participated in a number of cross-cultural events, such as the International Olympic of Linguistics and The Masters School’s International Club. Still possessing a slight Shanghai accent, he encourages people to be brave in embracing their cultural backgrounds.

Stella Simonds

Student

Stella Simonds has always been interested in marine biology and the ocean. She is involved in The Masters School community as a lead tutor at The Writing Center, science research member, peer leader, and captain of the girls varsity soccer team. She has always considered herself to be an adventurous person, including getting her PADI rescue scuba diver certification at 13 years old, which allowed her to explore environmental threats to ocean ecosystems. She encourages all to be mindful of how their actions may have bigger impacts than expected.