AmericanHeritageSchool
x = independently organized TED event

Theme: Breakthrough

This event occurred on
November 13, 2019
Plantation, Florida
United States

We are proud to host TEDxAmericanHeritageSchool. The theme of our event is Breakthrough, and a panel of eight AHS high school students, selected through an audition process, will present their own TEDx Talk. Each student will be sharing his and her personal experiences, profound insight, and brilliant interpretation of "breakthrough" on our TEDx stage.

American Heritage School
12200 W. Broward Blvd.
Plantation, Florida, 33325
United States
Event type:
Youth (What is this?)
See more ­T­E­Dx­American­Heritage­School events

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check event website for more information.

Amrita Bonthu

Student
Amrita calls herself a “vampire” who stays up until unfortunate times of night but does not sparkle. Her proudest accomplishments are getting straight A’s in high school and being able to fall asleep while standing. She likes to think and ask “unique” (code word for strange) questions, such as: Why do the oppressed become oppressors? Where do forest rangers go to escape it all? Perhaps the most important question: How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? Amrita spends her free time reading self-help books (not that she needs it or anything {nervous laughter}), as well as opening TED-Ed riddles, pretending to try to solve them, and skipping to the end. She is also a huge science nerd (not Big Bang theory level, though). Amrita wants to give a TED Talk because she wanted to combine her love of speaking with her desire to probe that which is seen but not observed.

Aryan Ranjan

Student
Aryan believes through education and adherence to climate commitments, we can make the necessary changes to protect our planet. He is a member of Citizens Climate Lobby, a non-profit, non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to lobbying for national legislation for climate solutions. Through this organization, Aryan has been able to meet with local elected officials to discuss climate solutions. He is also Founder and President of the Climate Change club at American Heritage, which empowers other high schoolers at AHS by giving them the chance to discuss concerns and solutions regarding climate change. Additionally, Aryan is Captain of the Junior High Congressional Debate team, Treasurer of the Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, Officer of Model United Nations, and a member of Congressman Ted Deutch’s Congressional Youth Cabinet. Aryan is honored to give a TED Talk and hopes he is able to influence more youth to get involved with climate action.

Emilin Mathew

Student
Emilin is a sophomore discovering herself through science, debate, literature, and Model UN. Interested in pursuing studies in philosophy and surgical oncology, she enjoys the intersection of many of her passions. Most days, Emilin can be found in the American Heritage Science Lab working on her award-winning science projects. She placed 1st in the Florida Junior Academy of Science competition freshman year earning a spot at the American Junior Academy of Science sophomore year–a prestigious national competition for premier scientific research. Outside of science, she competes in Lincoln Douglas debate where she has placed nationally and championed a sophomore Round Robin. Her proudest moments were when she coached junior high students and instilled in them the same passion she has for debate. As a first generation student in America, Emilin grew up watching inspirational figures on TED-Ed and aspires to inspire other young Indian women around the world with her story and innovations.

Juliette Reyes

Student
Juliette is a senior, and for the past three years, she has dedicated herself to competing on a national level in Speech and Debate and Model UN. She is currently ranked first in the country by the National Speech and Debate Association in the category Extemporaneous Speaking. In addition to being a state champion and multi-time national finalist, Juliette spends the remainder of her time writing for political publications, such as The New Voice and The Scope National Youth Magazine. Her article about U.S. foreign policy was recently featured and reviewed in a podcast interview. She also enjoys spending time with students across the country through various mentoring programs. Juliette wants to give a TED Talk because as someone with multiple invisible identities, she is determined to shed light on the subject and spread awareness. Juliette believes that although our society is progressive, we must take more action to see beyond the framing of the status quo.

Saatvik Kaul

Student
While getting used to high school life was challenging for Saatvik in the beginning, he soon “got the hang of things.” He says he was never really the typical “Indian kid”- he dislikes math, and science really isn’t his “thing.” But as you can probably guess by the fact that he is about to give a TED Talk, Saatvik loves to talk. At American Heritage, he has had a successful Speech and Debate career so far, and having just started Model UN, the knowledge he has gained from these activities has helped him hone the skills he brings to the TEDx stage. He finds it absolutely amazing that people can make the world laugh, cry, think, act, and so much more, simply by using their voice. Saatvik says nowadays, there is an even bigger emphasis on making your voice heard. His desire to make his own mark is what led him to audition for this TEDx AmericanHeritageSchool event and be that someone worth listening to.

Shana Xia

Student
Shana is the secretary of American Heritage’s Key Club branch, a lieutenant in the Pre-Law Society, and is part of the fundraising committee for the AHS Climate Change club. Shana is also a member of the National English Honor Society, participates in Mock Trial and Varsity Swimming, and is a state winner for piano. Over the summer, Shana was an intern at the Legal Aid Service of Broward County, where she worked with the leading attorney in the juvenile law sector. She is interested in studying social sciences and the performing arts. Shana wants to give a TED Talk because it gives her the opportunity to speak about something she’s passionate about and share her ideas with a larger crowd. She wants to be an inspiration for change in society and social norms and sees this as a stepping-stone toward change for the better.

Sneha Jos

Student
Sneha has been attending American Heritage since her freshman year. Her main interest lies in science and the way it can improve countless lives and solve the mysteries of nature. She is also passionate about politics and educates herself about the issues plaguing our country and the world. Sneha firmly believes the only way to make the world a better place is by being aware of our problems so we can fix them. However, she also feels when we are aware of all the problems in our world, it is hard to remain optimistic about the future. Through her TED Talk, she wants to convey that, despite the world not being the greatest place at the moment, not everything is bad, and there is always hope for the future. She predicts that through science and technology, the world will become a place beyond our wildest dreams, and she might just convince you of that notion by the end of her talk.

Zachary Dishinger

Student
Zachary grew up in the theatre, and what he loved most was the art of transformation. “When I put on makeup, being bullied for my sexual orientation and judged for my unconventional interests didn't matter anymore.” Zach started mixing cosmetics in his kitchen, and when he was 15, he launched Formula Z Cosmetics. All Formula Z products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free, and the ethos of Formula Z reflects Zach’s deep-rooted purpose in life and his desire to give back. Mission Z Forever Lips benefits The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people. At American Heritage School, Zach is a member of the National Honor Society, a nationally-recognized reporter for WAHS student broadcast network, and is also co-president of the Gay-Straight Alliance club. His hope is to inspire others to stay true to who they are, step out of their comfort zone, and be unconditionally accepting.

Organizing team

Melanie
Hoffman

FL, United States
Organizer