TEDxRMSST Youth

Speakers

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

• Jalen Thornton

  RMSST Sophomore Research Student

  Jalen Thornton is a sophomore research student at Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology who is passionate about challenging stereotypes and redefining what intelligence looks like. As a student‑athlete, Jalen has experienced firsthand how assumptions based on appearance and background can affect how people are treated and understood. These experiences inspired his interest in speaking out about bias, opportunity, and representation.

• Joel Gayle

  RMSST Senior

  Joel Gayle is a senior at Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology who is interested in student well‑being and how schools can better support their students. For his TEDxRMSST Youthtalk, Joel focuses on an idea that often gets overlooked, nap time in schools. He challenges the belief that being constantly busy leads to success and instead highlights how rest can improve focus, mental health, and learning. By starting a conversation many students relate to but rarely discuss, Joel hopes to encourage schools and peers to rethink how rest fits into a healthier and more effective school day.

• Rickie Reed

  RMSST Sophomore Research Student

  Rickie Reed is a sophomore research student at Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology who is interested in learning and growing through life’s experiences. Rickie values the importance of sharing ideas and learning from life’s failures. By engaging the audience and reflecting on his lived experiences, Rickie hopes to inspire others to stay motivated, recognize their progress, and remain focused on long term success.

• Spencer Fortson

  RMSST Freshmen Research Student

  Spencer Fortson is a freshman at Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology who is passionate about mental health awareness and social issues affecting teens today. He is especially interested in exploring how toxic masculinity impacts the way young men see themselves, express their emotions, and interact with others. Through his TEDxYouth@RMSST talk, Spencer hopes to start important conversations, challenge harmful stereotypes, and encourage students to be more accepting of individuality and self-expression. He believes that real change begins when people feel comfortable being themselves and supporting one another.