Eastchester Hosts First-Ever TEDx Event

Eastchester rolled out the red carpet on Friday—literally—as the district opened its doors to educational leaders, wellness experts and students who took the EHS Auditorium stage to speak to the idea that global change can often be inspired by the ideas and innovations that spring forth from personal experiences and local initiatives. 

On Nov. 7, the district hosted its first-ever TEDxEastchester event, a three-hour symposium centered around the themes of Service, Community and Connection. 

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Assessment, and Student Success Dr. William Meyer said that Friday’s program was a celebration of how ideas that take root in the community can often be a precursor to global paradigm shifts.

“The entire thing was amazing to see, not just in terms of the speakers, but in the way in which members of the district were able to support this and make it happen,” said Meyer. “Creating a space for student voices, faculty voices, that’s the work; for me, 'elevating' is about rising above, seeing the broader landscape around you, and finding a way to contribute to that, and that’s exactly what was evident this morning.” 

The roster of speakers included visitors such as Nick Katsoris, founder of the Loukoumi Foundation, Columbia Professor Dr. Kelli Harding, World Happiness Summit Founder Karen Guggenheim, EHS Alumni like Ava Tsapatsaris and Constantine Katsoris, EHS teacher Jen Gavin, and others.

Several current Eastchester students took the stage as well, including high schoolers like Sarah Mortensen, who spoke about forming intergenerational partnerships; Erika Lunenfeld, who discussed viewing one’s vulnerability as a strength; Joey Piergiovanni, who talked about finding the intersection between art and the environment; and eighth grader Maggie Hynes, who spoke about the importance of empathy as a guiding principle.

Hynes—who said she initially didn’t fully understand the global reach of TEDx talks—said that she was thrilled to be asked to participate in Friday’s event.

“To be honest, I didn’t really know much about TED Talks until I started watching them and got more inspired,” said Hynes. “It’s a big deal, but I work really well under pressure, and even though I may not be used to talking in front of people every day, life is for living!”

Hynes added that she felt blessed to share the stage with so many individuals who shared her passion for finding ways to improve the world.

“I’m seeing people I’ve never met before, all of them are older than me, but I know that my speech matters,” she said. “I felt so inspired and honored to be talking to these people. It was really exhilarating.”

EUFSD Superintendent Dr. Alison Villanueva  said she was heartened by the speeches—especially those given by Eastchester students—and believes that Friday’s event should be a clear sign that the EUFSD is not only preparing students for success in life, it is giving them the tools they will need to re-shape the world they will inhabit.

“Today was inspiring and it reassures us that humanity is going to be OK, because our students were so profoundly articulate about the impact they can make on society,” said Villanueva. “We are so proud of our students because they are great thinkers who are looking to make a difference in the world; they look beyond themselves and that was very apparent from their speeches.”