TEDxCCSD Youth 2026

Raise The Bar

Fifteen student speakers take the stage to share ideas that challenge, inspire, and move their community forward.

Date May 9, 2026
Time 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location 595 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA

Check-in and registration begin at 10:15 AM.

TEDxCCSD Youth Raise The Bar
Raise The Bar

How students are showing up.

Every talk is shaped around three powerful ideas: how we think, how we lead, and how we take action in the world around us.

THINK

Challenge your mindset.

LEAD

Inspire and influence others.

SHOW UP

Take action. Make it count.

About The Event

A first-of-its-kind stage for student voices in Clarke County.

TEDxCCSD Youth brings together students, families, and the community for a powerful live experience centered on ideas and impact.

Raise The Bar

Fifteen students from elementary, middle, and high schools will take the stage to share ideas designed to challenge perspectives and inspire change.

Each talk explores how we think, how we lead, and how we show up in the world.

15 Student Speakers
3 School Levels Represented
Free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged.
About TEDx

What is TEDx?

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED created TEDx, a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.

At TEDxCCSD Youth, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark discussion, connection, and meaningful community conversation.

The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but each TEDx event, including this one, is independently organized.

Learn more about the TEDx program
The Speakers

Fifteen student voices. One stage.

Meet the CCSD students taking the stage to share ideas that challenge perspectives, inspire action, and raise the bar.

Emaline Benson
4th Grade

Emaline Benson

Whitehead Road Elementary School

Mariah Carson
12th Grade

Mariah Carson

Clarke Central High School and Athens Community Career Academy

Caitlin Davis
7th Grade

Caitlin Davis

Hilsman Middle School

Essex Forker
11th Grade

Essex Forker

Clarke Central High School and Athens Community Career Academy

Brandon Frazier
11th Grade

Brandon Frazier

Clarke Central High School

Kenji Funato
3rd Grade

Kenji Funato

Timothy Road Elementary School

A'Niyah Grimes
5th Grade

A'Niyah Grimes

Gaines Elementary School

Leah Hussain
4th Grade

Leah Hussain

Barnett Shoals Elementary School

Aidric Johnson
6th Grade

Aidric Johnson

Coile Middle School

Eden Moye
8th Grade

Eden Moye

Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School

Laila Nobles
10th Grade

Laila Nobles

Clarke Central High School

Ruby Smothers
5th Grade

Ruby Smothers

Gaines Elementary School

Kayla Walker
11th Grade

Kayla Walker

Clarke Central High School and Athens Community Career Academy

Ryan Watkins
8th Grade

Ryan Watkins

Hilsman Middle School

A'layja Wilson
8th Grade

A'layja Wilson

Coile Middle School

TEDxCCSD Youth Speaker
The Event

Join us May 9 in Athens.

TEDxCCSD Youth is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged.

May 09 2026

TEDxCCSD Youth 2026

Fifteen student speakers will take the stage to share ideas centered on how they think, lead, and show up.

Reserve Your Seat
Time 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Check-In Begins at 10:15 AM
Location Vernon Payne Hall

595 Prince Avenue
Athens, Georgia 30601

Admission Free and open to the public

Advance registration helps the team prepare for guests.

The Team

The people helping bring student ideas to the stage.

TEDxCCSD Youth is led by educators, organizers, and community leaders committed to creating a meaningful platform for student voice.

Their work supports students as they prepare to think boldly, lead with purpose, and show up with ideas worth spreading.

Lead Organizer

Stephen Nobles

Helping guide the vision, planning, and student-centered experience behind TEDxCCSD Youth.

Event Organizer

Aliceson Nobles

Supporting the coordination and execution of a powerful platform for Clarke County student voices.

Be in the room where ideas take shape.

Support student voices. Experience powerful ideas. Be part of a community raising the bar.

Reserve Your Seat