Photo by Andrew Shurtleff, The Daily Progress
A group of BRVGS students experienced insightful speakers and dynamic performances at TEDxCharlottesville on Friday, November 15, at the Paramount Theater in Charlottesville. Seniors Kauri Dynes from Orange County High School, Taylor Smith and Caleb Snyder from Louisa County High School, and Cooper Brett and Virginia Ann Pearson from William Monroe High School spent the day in an environment of new ideas, discussions, and inspiration. "I've been watching TedTalks for a long time so I couldn't pass up a chance to see some live," said Taylor Smith.
Apparently it was an event to remember for many in attendance. “It was a day of food for thought,” remarked Kauri Dynes, “one that I wish more of my friends went to because I find myself making references to it for which they do not know the context.”
TED started out in 1984 as a conference bringing together people from three areas: Technology, Entertainment, and Design. TED’s scope has broadened, including worldwide TEDx events held at the local level. TEDx format incorporates short talks, demonstrations and performances on a wide range of subjects “to foster learning, inspiration and wonder -- and to provoke conversations that matter.”
Speakers included: UVA student Hawa Ahmed, born a refugee in Chad; Zoe Romano, the first person to run the Tour de France; Professor Ed Freeman, a leader in stakeholder business management and ethics; Dr. Ralph Cohen of the American Shakespeare Theater; Vusi Mahlasela, honored South African singer-songwriter-activist; and Dawn Averitt, who serves on the President’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Attendees heard 19 speakers and musical performances.
“My favorite speaker was John Hunter,” said Kauri. ”Mr. Hunter's talk was authentic and personal, and education is an area close to my heart. His talk struck me as one of the best of the day.” Hunter, of the World Peace Foundation and former Albemarle County educator, is a musician, filmmaker, and designer of The World Peace Game, a hands-on political simulation.
BRVGS director Marc Carraway emailed Governor’s School students to let them know about the program and ticket information, which was the initial introduction to the the event for some students. The event provided new information, idea seeds, and idea sharing among participants, speakers, and event personnel. Kauri said she had the opportunity to eat with three of the speech coaches for the event and discuss her governor's school project on public speaking with them. Taylor added that the program "inspired me to go out and do new things and learn more."
Students who were unable to attend the event this year can view TEDxCharlottesville Talks at http://www.youtube.com/tedxcharlottesville.