TEDxYouth@FranklinSchoolOfInnovation

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Addie Edwards

  High School Sophmore

  Addie Edwards can be described as a person of which there is no suitable adjective. They can often be found in a state of reverie, lost in the clouds of thought that frequently fog their mind. Currently, they are in their second year at FSI as a sophomore, singing with a chorus, learning French, and expanding their capabilities regarding 2D art. Outside of the obligatory hours spent in school, they enjoy spending their time writing creatively, playing piano, and wondering about the various unknowns that inhabit our universe. Thus, they must say they’re very grateful for an opportunity to ponder such an arcane and ineffable concept that is Time, and are looking forward (although a bit anxiously) to expressing their words with all of you.

• Bryn Sides

  High School Freshman

  Bryn Sides is a Transgender Teen who uses they/them pronouns. They are a High School Freshman Student at the Franklin School of Innovation, and this is their first Talk ever. Their goal is to talk about what it’s like to be an average transgender teen and their experience of becoming who they truly are in this world. Bryn has always been very outspoken and loves everything about debates and representing who they are and what they stand for. Outside of school, you will probably find Bryn watching TV while doing crafts or Kandi art. Their room is filled with things that really represent them.

• Chris Stokes

  Substance Abuse Therapist

  Chris Stokes has traversed what some may call an unconventional journey. However, she attributes her own compilation of life’s beautifully, messy moments to finding her passion for helping others through hardships and struggles with substance use. Giving aTEDx talk is a bucket list item for Chris and she is excited to share on how the relationship between perspective and time can impact us personally and collectively. She is also a Mom to a FSI Sophomore and when not adulting you’ll find her surfing google maps for local adventures, thrifting, or in her muck boots metal detecting for treasure.

• Madelynn Fishler

  High School Sophmore

  Madelynn (known to her loved ones as Maddie) is a current sophomore at FSI, where she has been since 7th grade. Maddie can often be found writing song lyrics, singing in the car, trying her best to learn piano, or practicing for her classroom choir. Maddie enjoys talking about the topic of time, since so much of hers is spent in the hospital for her chronic asthma. Because of this, time can be both a precious tool and an insurmountable obstacle to her. Balancing both schoolwork and her health, Maddie makes a point to use organizational methods to her advantage, methods which she is excited to share with you!

• Peter Hildebrand

  Clinical Neuropsychologist

  Peter Hildebrand wants all people to be able to make and enjoy art. He is involved with multiple direct action and mutual aid projects designed to support the most vulnerable members of the community. Professionally, he has a master’s degree in neuroscience and a doctorate degree in clinical psychology. He works as a clinical neuropsychologist. When not volunteering or working, Peter constructs crossword puzzles, eats baked goods, and watches movies. He recently completed production on the short film The Dogsitter.

• Ray Mckinzie

  High School Senior

  My name is Ray and I live in Black Mountain. But I go to a school in Asheville. I work as a dishwasher, and spend most of my free time drawing, painting, or cooking. I live with my mother and sister, and a cat named Muffin. I'm planning on focusing on welding for my career, but keeping art in my life. I have always loved art, and making art in some form. I started out drawing when I was a little kid, then I tried out jewelry making for a while. But I've always come back to drawing in my sketchbooks.

• Riley Barbour

  High School Freshman

  Riley Madigan Barbour is a 15-year-old performer and student at the Franklin School of Innovation, where she explores her passion for storytelling on and off the stage. With nine years of experience in theater, Riley has trained in acting, dance, and singing, and has performed in numerous productions throughout her childhood. Beyond the arts, she is an active member of her school’s Model UN team, where she enjoys learning about global issues and collaborative problem-solving. Riley is inspired daily by her family, friends, and the animals she loves, and she hopes to continue using creativity to bring people together. Her TEDx talk reflects her belief in the power of music, connection, and the stories that shape who we are and what we have been throughout time.

• Robert Meyer

  Radio and Emergency Communications

  Hello my name Robbie Meyer I am a high school student focused on education and communication systems and everything technology. I am currently training in emergency communications. I also own a small business specializing in selling amateur radio equipment. I all-around will mess with anything I can get my hands on. I'm currently fifteen And I'm in ninth grade at the Franklin school of innovation overall love being invested in the community helping in any way I can. And that's why I'm giving this Ted talk