Luke Osborne discusses how much people, as a society, rely on the getting and giving second chances to the people around us. Luke Osborne is a student at NeoCity Academy, currently in the AI pathway. He has been going to NeoCity Academy for three years, looking for a place to learn skills for his desired career. He strives to become a game designer, and works hard to achieve that goal - learning C# and other programming languages. In the future, he dreams to get into MIT, but looks for a more reasonable position at UCF. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Margo Barthle discusses her own competitiveness and struggles in school when her life is measured by grades, scores, and athletic competitions. Margo’s name means pearl, and her parents named her after a college professor. She is in the BioDesign pathway here at NeoCity, and she wants to use her experience here to pursue a passion in biomedical engineering. She enjoys playing sports in her free time, especially soccer. She also likes watching games and learning about teams and players. She is an active member of 4-H and love raising animals; they are all so cute! She wanted to give this talk on competition because she sees it every day; playing sports and entering so many competitions make it easier to spot in real life. She hopes something here resonates with you and hopes you enjoy the event! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In his TED Talk, “Get Your Maverick On,” Jay Gross challenges listeners to break free from conventional expectations and embrace their authentic, trailblazing selves. With passion and humor, he shares personal stories and hard-won insights about the power of showing up boldly, taking risks, and leading with heart. It’s a call to action to live unapologetically, think differently, and create impact by being the maverick you were meant to be. “After a motorcycle accident in 1986 crushed the 7th thoracic vertebrae in my back and left me less than a ¼ of an inch from being paralyzed from my chest down, I take each day as a gift. While I was recuperating for six months, my Mom mentioned how I would be a good teacher and how the neighborhood kids flocked to me when I was outside to learn football plays and hear me tell stories. It stuck. I recently retired after 30 years of teaching at Shepherd High School, and 34 days later accepted a position teaching Speech/Debate at Morley Stanwood High School. I am still being told countless times my stories make learning relate, and make it easier to understand. My name is Jay Gross, and I am an English, Speech, & Debate teacher. I also teach as an adjunct professor of English and Speech at Montcalm Community College and am currently teaching at St. Louis High School for dual enrollment. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

"Navigating the Unknown of A.I," the talk emphasizes the urgency of approaching AI with curiosity, caution, and critical thinking—recognizing its potential to revolutionize the world while remaining mindful of the complex risks it introduces. It encourages listeners to be proactive participants in shaping the future of AI, not passive observers. Angle Bush, CEO - Black Women In Artificial Intelligence Visionary. Innovator. Advocate. Angle Bush embodies the transformative power of leadership in technology. In 2020, Angle founded Black Women In Artificial Intelligence, driven by a singular mission: to Educate, Engage, Embrace, and Empower Black Women in AI. Under her leadership, the organization has become a global force, uniting members across five continents and forging partnerships with industry leaders such as Amazon, Microsoft, Capital One, and NVIDIA. These alliances reflect her unwavering commitment to opening doors, creating opportunities, and shaping the future of AI through inclusivity. Angle’s influence extends beyond her organization. As a sought-after speaker and thought leader, she challenges the tech world to think bigger, innovate smarter, and build with purpose. Her dedication to creating spaces where Black Women thrive is not just a mission, it’s a movement. An alumna of Central Michigan University with studies at Harvard, Angle brings both academic rigor and a relentless drive to her work. Currently, she serves as a Visiting Fellow at the University of Miami and sits on the Central Michigan University College of Science and Engineering Advisory Board, championing the next generation of innovators. Notable Highlights- New York Stock Exchange Closing Bell, NPR, Bloomberg, M.Live, Inc.Magazine, PBS-North Carolina, Forbes, National Urban League Conference, National Black Women In Artificial Intelligence Day This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Noelia Loor-Moreira discusses her personal journey from someone who did not care about her appearance to someone who does - and the unfortunate truths she has discovered on both sides of the "pretty" spectrum. Noelia Loor-Moreira is a 16-year-old student at NeoCity Academy, currently pursuing the BioDesign Pathway, hoping to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Born in Tampa and raised in Osceola County, she’s a first-generation Ecuadorian-American who leads as an officer in the United Hispanics Association (UHA), a passionate weightlifter, and the youngest of three sisters. She's lived the contrast of growing up feeling “ugly” by society’s standards and now navigates life with the privilege of being seen as conventionally attractive, a journey that's sharpened her empathy, fueled her confidence, and deepened her passion for building a world where worth isn’t defined by appearance. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

First-time public speaker Erika Troya Ureta discusses how music connects people and just makes people downright happy. Erika Troya is currently in the Engineering Pathway at Neocity Academy. She plans on studying Engineering and potentially specializing in architecture or civil engineering. She enjoys spending time with family, playing games, playing and dressing up her beloved dog Pooka. She was the first place winner for the State Technology Student Association 2025 competition for CAD Architecture. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx