One anecdotal experience that shaped a lifeline, and a new perspective on taking action - Paritosh Patel retells a personal story that impacted his viewpoint on the nature of inaction. By analyzing the truths and misconceptions of the “Bystander Effect”, his Tedx talk explores the nature of why we choose not to act - an account involving both sides of taking initiatives. A senior at Blue Valley North High School, Paritosh Patel has integrated, to the highest levels, his sense of community with a passion for science through his involvement in Student Council, and a state-winning Science Olympiad team. Outside of school, he pursues and develops his professional skills, whether through his intellectual curiosity for biomedical studies at the UMKC School of Medicine, or in Anaheim as an international-level DECA presenter. 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

Comfort leads to conformity. When unchallenged we have no reason to create change. Michelle will discuss how inspiring change begins in discomfort, it stimulates the brain by creating healthy challenges. By pushing one outside of their comfort zone they can finally be in a position to make a change. She will explore political activists such as Carey Nation, an unforgettable feminist who thrived during temperance. She will also relate her topic to literature such as the playwright Henrik Ibsen and his famous play A Doll’s House. Michelle plans to explore how discomfort is the perfect environment for ingenuity. Michelle is a junior at Olathe North High School. She is part of the Medical Professions Program and she aspires to join the medical field as an epigenetics researcher. She is co-president of the Black Student Union & African Student Association and VP of Feminist Club. She also participates in Red Cross Club and HOSA. Outside of school, she helps coach volleyball and volunteers to help feed children who aren’t able to afford meals. She spent last summer at Children’s Mercy as a research intern where she gained many lab skills. 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

Did you know medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in the United States? This speech unravels a somewhat hidden, yet scandalous part of the healthcare system. It examines both its history and general standpoints and the implications of malpractice, especially on women and minorities. Misconduct in medicine includes various twists and turns that go unobserved. Even today, many sectors of research and healthcare tend to be skewed, disproportionately affecting particular groups of people. This speech displays the need for a new outlook in medicine and how the upcoming generation can help enact it. Niveditha is a senior at Blue Valley High School who holds an avid interest in public speaking, STEM, and service. She is an active Speech & Debate team member at BVHS and has taken part in various science-related clubs and competitions. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, creative writing, doing science research, and binge-watching Netflix (especially "Grey's Anatomy"). Niveditha plans to take her interest for medicine and healthcare throughout her secondary education, hoping to foster connections with a diverse group of like-minded individuals. 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

This speech explains the potential uses and drawbacks that Artificial Intelligence may provide in the critical fight against climate change. Climate change is an urgent issue that demands immediate action. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity are just a few of the consequences we face. The optimal solution lies in leveraging both human ingenuity and AI’s capabilities to create effective solutions. Prisha Dalal, a sophomore at Blue Valley North High School, is passionate about public speaking, and modern technological advancements. With her interests making a positive impact on the world through innovation, she is thrilled to speak on the matter of how artificial intelligence may be optimal solution for the fight against climate change. Prisha believes that it is a moral imperative for society to leverage AI's capabilities to protect future generations. 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 talk, Jad shares his journey of starting businesses at a young age. Jad reflects upon what went right and what didn't on his journey through success and challenges. In this inspiring talk, he shares elements needed for ideas to be made into reality. He talks about the need for persistence and the advantages given by starting at a young age. He digs deep into the ins and outs of starting a business and what you need to succeed. This talk is a motivational view on entrepreneurship, aimed to inspire others to take up the challenge and pursue those things that make them come alive, regardless of age. Jad started his entrepreneurial journey at just 11 years old when he founded a custom keyboard company that quickly became a success. This early success sparked a deeper interest in business and led him to explore other industries. Over the years, his focus shifted to aviation, where he collaborated with large aviation startups and developed strong marketing skills. Jad explored different niches within the aviation sector, further building his portfolio. In his free time, he enjoys learning new startup growth strategies, networking, and flight simulation. 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

Mame Saye’s speech explores her experience navigating through the hardships of growing up in a predominantly white community. She expands on how these experiences have inspired her to create change within her community through the founding of her club, that is both diverse and educational. Her speech encourages others to find gaps within their communities and create the change needed to work towards a better and more inclusive tomorrow. Mame Saye Drame is a Junior at Olathe North High School. She is in the Medical Professions program in hopes to become a health professional. In school Mame Saye is involved several clubs/activities such as DECA, African Student Association, National Honor Society, Diversity Council, French Honor Society, and FCCLA. Outside of school, Mame Saye works at a pizza restaurant and enjoys playing tennis and hanging out with friends. 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