Theme: Re-imagining School

For the first time ever in Blythewood, SC, TEDxBlythewoodED brings speakers from all over the midlands of South Carolina to talk about what they love to do, and how we can re-imagine school to make the world better!

Westwood High School
180 Turkey Farm Road
Blythewood, South Carolina, 29016
United States

Angelo Guajardo

Student, Blythewood High School

Angelo Guajardo is a high school student in Columbia, South Carolina.

Jeffrey McMicken

ELA Teacher, Ridge View High School

Jeffrey McMicken is an English teacher who knows how important literacy and a passion to learn are. In this talk, he discusses how he has re-imagined the definition of education as an enlightening experience. His high school students spend one day a week (20% of their time) following their passions in a way that still covers the curriculum and focuses on the literacy skills of reading, writing, and researching.

Rakib Siddique

Student

I am currently a student who is completing his final year in the Discovery Magnet Program at Spring Valley High School who has been living near Blythewood for the past eight years. Besides academics, I work as a volunteer after-school tutor for various high school subjects including Algebra I-III, Geometry, French, Human Geography, and US History. I'm not sure if this exactly counts, but I "play" in the lab as a research intern who is currently completing a continuation of a project I started last year at Benedict College that involves using crushed dandelions to try to clean toxic water. I used to play travel team soccer for South Carolina United FC but I put that aside this year because I was not left with enough time to play competitively while taking 7 AP classes and completing college applications.

Ronald Huff

Hispanic Family Liaision

Ron Huff currently serves as the Hispanic Family Liaison for Richland School District Two in Columbia, SC. He is a Latino professional that works in the Columbia Northeast Metropolitan area to connect the growing Latino population to education and a better life. Ron has collaborated with county officials to grant more opportunities to Hispanic families in the area. Recently he has teamed up with other Richland Two officials to create the Si Se Puede Initiative, which comes up with events and programs to help the Hispanic Students and their families succeed. One program is the Student Interpreter Program that recruits 11th and 12th graders to earn a certification as bilingual interpreters and work in the community before graduating from High School. Ron Huff grew up in Columbia, South Carolina and Brownsville, Texas and is a War Veteran of the US Army. He lives with his family in the Greater Woodfield area of Columbia.

Sarah Bruton

School Psychologist

Dr. Sarah Bassin Bruton, a school psychologist, has worked in Richland School District Two for more than 8 years. Her passion is helping students understand their true feelings and potential. A native of Columbia, Dr. Bruton earned her undergraduate degrees in neuroscience and psychology from New York University, her master's of education from Mercy College and her Master of Science and doctorate of psychology from the University of South Carolina. She is active in her community and church and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Shambi Broome

Founder/Webgrylz Code

I live just on the outskirts of Blythewood in Northeast Richland County, 29229 zip code. I am a web developer and founder of Webgyrlz Code. I also work part time as a substitute teacher in Richland County School District 2. I am also a proud parent of two daughters!