DRSS Students Present at First TedX Youth @Dayton Event

Two DRSS students, Alex T. Smith and Shari Gordnier presented at the first ever TedX Youth@Dayton event on Friday, 9/25/15. DRSS student Rowan Goble also served as an emcee for the event. Alex T's talk was titled "I Ain't a Politician" and was about encouraging students to play an active role in the political process. Shari's was titled "Trust Me, I'm a Scientist," and in it she discussed a science project in which she investigated the relationship between individuals' superhero preferences and their self-esteem. DRSS student preparation for this event began months ago in Ms. Schultz's and Ms. Poppaw's STEMmersion course, which provided students with an opportunity to hone their presentations and meet with former TedX Dayton speakers in order to craft their presentations.

Teacher Mandi Schultz (left), students Shari Gordnier, Rowan Goble, and Alex T. Smith, and teacher Erin Poppaw showing their TedX spirit at the conference! Ms. Schultz and Ms. Poppaw worked tirelessly alongside other area teachers and TedX Dayton organizers to help make the event a success.

The event was an exciting one in which the entire DRSS Senior Class was able to travel to Wright State University to see. The conference featured speakers from four other area schools, including Fairmont High School, The Miami Valley School, Yellow Springs High School, and Vandalia-Butler High School.

Mrs. Strickland and Shari posing outside the Apollo Room at Wright State.

Alex T. Smith giving his talk titled "I Ain't a Politician," which explained his class' experience trying to pass Matthew's Bill, legislation which would ensure that public facilities across Ohio provide restrooms include adult changing stations for individuals with multiple handicaps.

Shari presents her talk titled "Trust Me, I'm a Scientist," during which she recounted her experiences investigating the relationship between superhero preference and self-esteem.

The visit provided an opportunity to catch up with some DRSS alumni who are now attending Wright State, like Aaron Joy!

The event took place approximately one month before the upcoming TedX Dayton event, which is happening this week on October 16th. All of the students who presented from every school did an amazing job!