Greenville Hosts Its First Student-Led TEDx Event

News Summary

Greenville, South Carolina, is thrilled to announce its inaugural youth-organized TEDx event, TEDx Five Forks Youth. Spearheaded by high school student Amanda de Leon and her team, this event promises to showcase ten inspiring student speakers tackling relevant topics for their generation. With a theme of ‘ENLIGHT’, this student-led initiative aims to ignite meaningful dialogues and foster community engagement. Tickets are available online, making it an ideal opportunity to support youth activism in the area.

Greenville, South Carolina, Hosts Its First Ever Student-Led TEDx Event

A New Era of Youth-Led Conversations

In a fantastic and inspiring turn of events, Greenville, South Carolina is buzzing with excitement over the launch of its very first **_youth-organized_** TEDx event! This groundbreaking event, known as TEDx Five Forks Youth, is the brainchild of high school students who are coming together to share ideas and spark meaningful dialogues in their community.

Meet the Masterminds Behind the Event

Leading the charge is Amanda de Leon, a remarkable junior at Christ Church Episcopal School. The idea of hosting this event struck Amanda in May 2024 after she found herself captivated by various TED and TEDx talks online. Realizing that there was a unique opportunity for her peers to engage in similar discussions, she reached out to fellow students across Greenville and Pickens counties through the YMCA Greenville’s Youth in Government program.

Joining Amanda in this noble endeavor are three dynamic co-directors: Zayd Kidwai, Lucia Ramos Calleros, and Addison Moore. Each has taken on specific roles that play a crucial part in organizing this *fantastically* ambitious event.

Roles and Responsibilities

This isn’t just a simple school project; it’s a labor of love! Students have stepped up to manage multiple committees including finance, speaker coordination, production, and marketing. These young leaders have shown that **_student leadership_** and **_activism_** are alive and well, proving that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference.

Topics That Matter

The theme for this inaugural event is “ENLIGHT.” Ten stellar student speakers are ready to take the stage and discuss various topics that resonate with their generation. From seriously important subjects such as politics, light pollution, and substance abuse to practical matters like money management, these high schoolers are gearing up to address issues that many adults might overlook.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Like any significant event, the road to success hasn’t been entirely smooth. Organizers faced challenges, such as securing a venue and promoting the event in a way that captured everyone’s attention. However, the tenacity and **_teamwork_** demonstrated by these students helped them overcome each obstacle. Their hard work has undoubtedly laid the groundwork for a memorable event that showcases the importance of dialogue and community engagement.

A Vision for the Future

What’s particularly heartwarming is Amanda de Leon’s vision extending beyond her high school years. She hopes that the TEDx Five Forks Youth event can become a **_sustainable initiative_** that continues to thrive even after she graduates. This goal signifies a deep commitment to fostering youth engagement and providing a platform for young voices long after the event concludes.

Get Your Tickets!

If you’re in the area and eager to witness this stellar showcase of youthful talent and passion, tickets are available online at tedxfiveforksyouth.com. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support young leaders as they share their insights and perspectives.

A Collaborative Effort

It’s important to note that this event isn’t just about students. There has been a wonderful collaboration among youth and adult volunteers, emphasizing the strength that comes from working together. The participation of adults in an advisory capacity allows students to take the lead while still benefiting from guidance when needed.

Final Thoughts

As the excitement builds for the TEDx Five Forks Youth event, it is clear that this initiative represents a significant step forward for *student-led* initiatives in South Carolina. The passion ignited by these young people serves as a reminder that the future is bright, and voices of the youth are integral to shaping our communities. This event is not just a one-time affair— it’s a celebration of ideas, discussions, and the incredible potential of the next generation.

What an exciting time to be in Greenville!