Theme: Rising Tides

TEDxLFHS is a TEDxYouth event designed to highlight LFHS students, teachers, and innovative thinkers who have ideas worth spreading. The event places a strong emphasis on empowering young people in Lake Forest, area schools, and around the world. This year's theme was "Rising Tides," and it took place on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Lake Forest High School
1285 North McKinley Road
Lake Forest, Illinois, 60045
United States

Amani Yousuf

Student

Amani Yousuf is a senior and is thrilled to be presenting at TEDxLFHS for the first time! At LFHS, she’s involved in the Human Rights Club, Muslim Students Association, Chinese Club, and The Forest Scout. In her free time, you could probably find Amani at your local bookstore, Dairy Queen, or driving around blasting Taylor Swift. As a junior, Amani conducted original, qualitative research on the positive impacts on participants of an Indigenous (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin) substance and drug abuse recovery talking circle. She is very passionate about her research and is eager to share her findings with the LFHS community.

Chip Bailey

Student

Chip is a junior at his first time as a speaker at TEDxLFHS! He has worked behind the stage helping with Tech Crew and Live Streaming the event but is excited to jump onto the stage. Chip is in many extra curriculars and activites around the school including theater, pop culture club, and New Media. At TEDxLFHS he hopes to bring some humour on the stage and smiles on people's faces!

Jackson Sorensen

Student

Jackson Sorensen, is a sophomore and first time speaker for TEDxLFHS. He believes that everyone is the main character of their own story, but that they often do not utilize this power to its full potential. He will be discussing how people can lean into this role by being present, in order to make the most of their lives. Outside of the classroom, he takes pleasure in reading and writing as well as listening to classic rock. Enamored by thought-provoking films such as A Beautiful Mind, he hopes to turn his hobby of screenwriting into a career.

Katia Fencl

Student

Katia Fencl is a Senior at Lake Forest High School and is very excited to be part of TEDxLFHS this year! She loves volunteering at Fill a Heart 4 Kids, especially when she gets to spend time with the kids, and is Co-President of their Junior Board. Katia grew up in Prague and speaks three languages. She is very grateful for the international experience and perspective it gave her. Katia is also involved in activities through the school, including the Board of Student to Student, Model UN, Scout Buddies, Link Crew and Track & Field. In her free time, she reads mystery books, does calligraphy, and travels.

Meghan Pierce

Student

Meghan Pierce is a senior at LFHS and is excited to speak at TEDx this year! At the high school, she is extremely dedicated to the music department–participating in Jazz Band, Pit Orchestra, and Madrigals. She also serves as drum major for the band and is co-president of the Choir Board. As a result of these musical experiences, Meghan has become passionate about classical music, and can't wait to share the impact it can have on someone's life. She would like to thank everyone who made this possible as well as her family and friends for their support!

Ryder Gamrath

Student

Ryder Gamrath is a senior at LFHS and is super excited to present at TEDxLFHS! Other activities Ryder participates in are Theater, New Media, and Talent Show. In his free time, he likes to watch movies and write a whole lot! He is pumped for you guys to watch the show and hopes his speech doesn’t make you fall asleep!

Vedh Krishnan

Student

Vedh Krishnan, a Lake Forest High School freshman, discovered his passion for STEM through academic challenges. Excited to share his transformation at TEDxLFHS, Vedh actively participates in the LFHS Math Team and studies calculus. He has a website, vedhkrishnan.com, where he shares his journey and passion for STEM. Vedh's journey from hardship to passion inspires those who hear about his journey. His story showcases the transformative power of perseverance and the joy of discovery. Vedh's dedication to spreading knowledge reflects his passion for STEM, encouraging others to explore their interests in science and technology.