Against the Current: 9th Annual TEDxSaintAndrewsSchool Showcases Bold Student Ideas

Eleven student speakers, two faculty members, and an alumna stepped onto the iconic red circle at Roberts Theater, Wight Hall - The Center for Performing Arts, for the 9th Annual TEDxSaintAndrewsSchool. Held on Friday, April 17, the event followed the theme “Against the Current” and featured voices from grades 4-12 who challenged the audience to reconsider their perspectives on adversity, identity, and technology.

 

The diversity of "ideas worth spreading" was on full display throughout two high-energy blocks. A sampling of those ideas includes:

• Passion vs. Reality: Yuchen Geng ’28 recounted a grueling marine research expedition that taught him true passion is defined by enduring unglamorous realities rather than romanticized expectations.

• Finding Purpose: Student Body President Chris D’Angelo ’26 shared how a season-ending ACL injury led him to find a new sense of purpose (also our school theme this year) by learning the bagpipes to lead his team onto the field.

• Reframing Challenges: Erin Reid ’27 described her stutter as a "friend" that taught her resilience, while Elijah Tablis ’33 explained how the discipline of piano helped him master his focus despite ADHD.

• The Power of Play & Presence: Mila Rojas ’33 —one of five students selected to speak at "Play@TED" in New York—urged adults to reclaim their sense of play. Meanwhile, Zarina Abdulakhatova ’27  shared lessons in "authentic listening" from her deaf family.

• Redefining Art & Leadership: Art educator Ms. Adriana Ranieri spoke about art as a mirror for self-discovery, and Cecilia Brems deconstructed the myth of the "natural leader," arguing that leadership is a skill built through taking on responsibility.

The event also welcomed back alum Tuana Yazici ’18, a licensed attorney and CEO. Yazici argued that "caring is not enough" and that true progress requires intentionally designing accountability into powerful systems like AI and space technology.

Co-curator Dr. Lisa Winer stated, “What makes TEDxSaintAndrewsSchool unique is its school-wide inclusivity and student-led production. While our stage often highlights our brightest stars, it also shines a light on those who aren't normally in the spotlight. We take pride in showcasing all students.” 

Beyond the speakers, students drove every aspect of the event, including Maxx Viciedo ’27, Charlotte Errico ’28, and Ana Sofia Brito ’30, who served as emcees, Wilda Widmark ’28 designed the logo, and Charlotte Errico served as the inaugural Student Associate Producer.

The event was made possible by the TEDx faculty team of Dr. Lisa Winer, Mandy Albert, Cathy Jennings, Tom Nash, and Rico Rincon, and was generously sponsored by The Florescue Family Foundation. 

Students interested in joining TEDxSaintAndrews for its landmark 10th-anniversary event next year have several pathways to participate:

• Upper School: Enroll in the TED-Ed course with Dr. Albert.

• Lower and Middle Schools: Join the first enrichment session with Dr. Winer.

• Creative Contributors: Students can also get involved by creating short videos or reaching out with unique ideas in Technology, Entertainment, and Design.

Click here to see photos from the event.