The first-ever TEDxYouth event in Loudoun County brought big ideas and bold voices to Belmont Ridge Middle School on Saturday, Jan. 24. Fourteen LCPS middle and high school students shared talks on topics ranging from money management and the impact of artificial intelligence to the power of stepping outside your comfort zone. Drawing from personal experiences both inside and outside the classroom, each speaker offered a fresh lens on the world, aligning with the event’s theme, New Perspectives.
The program was emceed by LCPS alumni Mahsa Riar and Katarina Walordy, who also served as student coaches. Reflecting on the theme, Mahsa shared, “Change does not always come from having more answers. It comes from looking at the issue differently. A small change in perspective can completely change how you face a challenge, a goal or even how you view yourself.”
The event was hosted by Belmont Ridge Middle School and Orblynx Academy, with support from LCPS. Ferri Riar, founder and CEO of Orblynx Academy, spoke about the vision behind the event, noting that the TEDxYouth event in Loudoun was shaped by “the simple belief that our youth have powerful ideas and that they deserve a powerful platform to share their ideas and perspectives.”
Belmont Ridge Principal Katie Johnson praised the students for exceeding expectations, adding that their insights “inspire us and challenge us” and invite the community to “view the future with a wider, more compassionate lens.”
Superintendent Aaron Spence, who attended the event and expressed his enthusiasm for the inaugural gathering, thanked the organizers, student speakers and LCPS alumni and staff who served as student coaches. He also highlighted the importance of events such as this in uplifting youth voices.
“The Youth TEDx event is an inspiring reminder of the creativity and innovation our students bring to the world. Their ideas and perspectives show exactly why I believe so strongly in the promise and potential of today’s youth,” said Dr. Spence.