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TEDx Event — The Green Frontier: Sustainable Ideas

On October 21, 2024, The Avery Coonley School hosted its second TEDx event themed The Green Frontier: Sustainable Ideas. The event was hosted by ACS Middle School students Marina Z., Gwen F., Sierra A., and Mia B.  It featured six outstanding speakers who presented on topics including consumer evolution, resilience, food justice, and more.  We were joined by Congressman Sean Casten who provided opening remarks and VIP guest Dr. Dieter Gruen, a 102-year-old scientist who was part of the Manhattan Project. It was an amazing evening. This year’s event was by invitation only for family and friends of our speakers. Recordings of the event presentations will be available for all to enjoy in a few months. 

TEDX event hosts and guests

The ACS Hydro Bloom Society members and our event hosts Gwen F., Mia B., Marina Z., and Sierra A. are joined by Dr. Montgomery, Congressman Sean Casten, and Dr. Dieter Gruen. 

This year's TEDx event speakers:

Congressman Sean Casten Speaking at TEDx event

Congressman Sean Casten gives opening remarks.

Student speaking at TEDx event

Sarina S., a Lower School student at ACS, highlighted the importance of encouraging young women to stay active in sports. Drawing from her own experience of overcoming injury, Sarina inspired others to pursue their passions and explore the long-term benefits of sports for future leadership. View — HERE

Student speaking at TEDx event

Jack M., a freshman at Downers Grove South and ACS alum, spoke about his passion for circular economies and sustainable food production. Drawing from experiences at organizations like “The Plant”, Jack emphasized the importance of food justice and healthier communities. View — HERE

Student speaking at TEDx event

Aria P., a Middle School student at ACS, shared insights from her award-winning science project, “Barbie Has Evolved. Have Consumers?”. Aria's passion for doll collecting and changing beauty standards formed the core of her thought-provoking talk on consumer evolution. View — HERE

Event Speaker

Julie Kogura, a project manager at Industrial Light & Magic, shared her personal journey of overcoming learning disabilities and advocating for inclusivity. Julie's TEDx talk focused on the importance of disability representation with autism and having a growth mindset. View — HERE

Speaker at TEDx event 2024

Dr. Robert Jackson, an atmospheric scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, presented fascinating data on how scientists measure clouds and wind using cutting-edge weather radars, highlighting the role of science in understanding and addressing climate issues. View — HERE

Dr, Kirsty Montgomery giving a talk at TEDx event

Dr. Kirsty Montgomery, Head of School at ACS, explores the intertwined concepts of resilience and sustainability through the historical lens of The Avery Coonley School, founded in 1906. She advocates for cultivating a green growth mindset in today's youth, equipping them to navigate environmental and societal challenges, and highlights the importance of embracing resilience as a means to thrive in an ever-changing world. View — HERE