A Round Rock High School student brought together a slate of young innovators, leaders, and changemakers during a TEDx event designed to amplify youth voices and spark community dialogue.
TEDxBrushyCreekYouth was organized by Abhiram J., a senior at Round Rock High School, and licensed through TED as part of its global TEDx program. The event took place at the Round Rock Public Library and featured 12 student speakers from across Central Texas, along with Round Rock High School teacher Janie Ziebell. Each delivered original talks centered around the theme “Beyond the Horizon” to an audience of over 100 community members.
Topics ranged from mental health and sustainability to artificial intelligence, education equity, and personal growth. Abhiram was able to secure Dr. Richard Reddick, Senior Vice Provost and Dean of the Undergraduate College at UT, as the event’s Keynote Speaker. Dr. Reddick’s background in education spans from studying at Harvard to shaping policy and creating opportunities in higher education, which promoted the theme of the event.
Abhiram said his goal was to create a platform where young people could connect, express themselves, and inspire both their peers and the larger community.
“Students in our schools are already thinking deeply about big issues; they just need the space and support to share those ideas. As young people, we often have unique perspectives that deserve to be heard—and this event empowers us to speak up and inspire change,” he said.
Abhiram hopes the event inspires more youth-led initiatives across the district.