TED Talks

TEDx at Cronulla High School

At Cronulla High School, we proudly host TEDx Youth events that give our students the chance to share their ideas, passions, and voices with the wider community. These events celebrate creativity, critical thinking, and leadership, while building student confidence in public speaking.

Our first TEDx event, TEDxCronullaHighSchoolYouth 2024, featured inspiring talks from students Amber Smith, Darcy Palmer, Izzy Ryan, Keira Hepburn, Olivia Colburt, Paige Coady, and keynote speaker Kal Glanznig. Topics ranged from the challenges of growing up and youth homelessness to the importance of history, swimming safety, and navigating the world of social media.

In 2025, our second TEDx event expanded on this momentum, with students such as Alicia Campbell, Angela Cantlon, Christopher Kypreos, CJ Lee, and Millie Sawyer delivering powerful talks on issues including social media, education reform, coding, bullying, and breaking misconceptions about ADHD and Autism.

Through TEDx, our students not only develop communication and leadership skills but also contribute to meaningful conversations that matter to their generation. These events reflect Cronulla High School’s commitment to empowering young people to shape the future with confidence, courage, and creativity.

TEDx Cronulla High School Youth

Our 2025 Speakers

Alicia Campbell  –  The Impact of Social Media on Youth
Year 11 student Alicia Campbell explored the powerful influence of social media on self-esteem, identity, mental health, and relationships. She challenged the audience to consider how digital platforms shape our lives and called for a healthier, more authentic online culture.

Chris Kypreos  –  Bringing Ideas to Life with Code
Year 9 student Christopher Kypreos shared his journey into coding, from creating simple games to developing more complex projects. He showed how technology can be a powerful tool for creativity, problem-solving, and bringing ideas to life.

CJ Lee  –  When Words Become Weapons
Year 7 student CJ Lee bravely spoke about the reality of bullying – both in person and online – and its lasting impact on mental health. CJ encouraged the community to recognise the signs, speak up, and work together to create a safe, respectful school environment.

Millie Sawyer  –  ADHD and Autism: Breaking Misconceptions
Year 9 student Millie Sawyer shared her personal experiences living with ADHD and Autism. She challenged stereotypes and called for greater understanding and inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals in schools and society.

This year’s event was a testament to the talent, passion, and determination of our students. We are proud of each speaker for their courage and willingness to share their voice with our school and community. Their ideas truly represent the  voices of tomorrow  – shaping the future, one talk at a time.

Rising Tides: Voices of Tomorrow

Our 2024 Speakers

Amber Smith – The Hardest Thing You’ll Probably Ever Do: Grow Up
Year 10 student Amber Smith reflected on the challenges of adolescence and the journey of growing up. She explored the importance of resilience, self-discovery, and embracing change as part of becoming who we are meant to be.

Darcy Palmer – Why History Matters Today
Year 12 student Darcy Palmer highlighted the importance of understanding history in shaping the contemporary world. He reminded the audience that history is not just about the past but also a guide to making informed decisions for the future.

Izzy Ryan – The Future of Humanity
Year 8 student Izzy Ryan looked forward to the possibilities and challenges that lie ahead for humanity. With curiosity and courage, Izzy encouraged us to think about how our choices today can create a better tomorrow.

Kal Glanznig – Rewriting the Future for the Better
Guest keynote speaker Kal Glanznig, Sutherland Shire Council A Ward representative, inspired the audience by showing how young people can play an active role in reshaping the future. His talk emphasised youth empowerment and the importance of civic leadership.

Keira Hepburn – Learning to Swim: A Lifesaving Skill
Year 8 student Keira Hepburn spoke passionately about the importance of water safety and learning to swim. She highlighted how preventative education can reduce accidents and save lives in our community.

Olivia Colburt – Navigating a World of Social Media
Year 10 student Olivia Colburt examined the complexities of growing up in a world dominated by social media. She explored both the opportunities and challenges it presents, and the need for balance and self-awareness.

Paige Coady – The Challenges of Youth Homelessness
Year 10 student Paige Coady addressed the urgent issue of youth homelessness in Australia. She called for action, compassion, and systemic change to ensure all young people have a safe place to call home.

This inaugural TEDx event showcased the creativity, courage, and vision of our students and community. Each speaker brought unique insights and perspectives, making 2024 a landmark year for Cronulla High School’s TEDx journey. Their voices remind us that the future is already being written — by the young leaders of today.

Published on the Official TEDx YouTube Channel