OHS TEDx Event Inspires with Student-Led Ideas for Change

Ossining High School’s auditorium was transformed into a stage for innovation and inspiration on May 22, as students took the mic during the school’s first-ever TEDx event.

TEDxOssining High School Youth brought together student voices, staff leaders, and community members in a celebration of ideas, storytelling, and collective vision.

The event’s theme, “Collective Ideas for Change,” was brought to life by a diverse lineup of 17 speakers whose talks explored empathy, education, technology, culture, mental health, and more. Each presentation was rooted in personal experience and aimed at inspiring meaningful dialogue.

Mr. Kevin Brooks, the OHS counselor and My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) leader who spearheaded the event, opened the program with words that framed the day’s mission.

“The purpose of the event is to bring forth collective ideas for change, and for the audience to sit back and listen to our young people,” said Mr. Brooks. “Our students are brilliant, and they have some amazing ideas, and this event provides a platform for them to share creative solutions for real world problems.”

Among the student speakers was senior Ianna Harrison, whose talk, “The Bridge of Empathy,” challenged the audience to recognize empathy as a tool for healing and understanding in an increasingly disconnected world.

“I chose empathy for my topic because I've seen the way the absence of empathy really affects people,” said Ianna. “Being empathetic and being the person to fill that void has always been important to me, and something that I hold as one of my values.”

From philosophical musings on mountain climbing by Jonathan Pozo, to a call to break up with plastic by Maya Cohen, and an emotional reflection on justice system reform by Joel Jennings, each student brought their unique voice and vision to the TEDx stage. Talks spanned topics such as cultural identity, digital media influence, mental health, neurodivergence, and racial equity in education.

The audience, made up of students, faculty, and community members, responded with enthusiasm and reflection. Sophomore Logan Keneally, who attended as an audience member, was struck by the depth and accessibility of the talks.

“I think it's great that we're getting all the students to come, and they're getting to share a little bit of their story,” Keneally said. “It's such an in-depth experience that often requires so much research, and the way they're explaining it is very palatable and very consumable for a general audience.”

In addition to student speakers, Dr. Oumar Sarr, OHS World Language teacher, delivered a powerful presentation titled “Unsung Tirailleurs: Stories from Outer Voices,” further emphasizing the global perspective embedded in the day’s discussions.

TEDxOssining High School Youth marks the beginning of a new tradition at OHS—one where student ideas are elevated, shared, and celebrated. As the final round of applause echoed through the auditorium, it was clear that this was more than an event—it was a movement toward a more empathetic, inclusive, and forward-thinking community.