The Greene County School System achieved a historic milestone on March 28 by organizing TEDxYouth: Beyond Limits, becoming the first school district in Georgia to host an official TEDxYouth event.
Held at Lakeside Church, the event brought together students, educators, families, and community members for a powerful morning of storytelling, reflection, and inspiration — centered on the theme of breaking barriers and overcoming challenges. More than just a speaking event, TEDxYouth: Beyond Limits served as a platform for student voice, creativity, and courage.
Six student speakers from Greene County High School and Lake Oconee Academy were selected through a competitive application and interview process, then paired with mentors who guided them through weeks of preparation, revision, and rehearsal.
“These are not just students preparing for the future,” said Dr. Srinivas Akella, Instructional Coach and STEM Coordinator for Greene County Schools and the driving force behind the event. “They are leaders right now — thinkers, storytellers, and changemakers with ideas that deserve to be heard.”
Each speaker delivered an original talk grounded in personal experience: Ninth grader Amelia Ingle inspired the audience with 30 Seconds of Courage, encouraging others to take small, brave actions in the face of anxiety — proving that even brief moments of courage can lead to meaningful change.
Shelby Marullo, an 11th-grade student, explored the concept of perspective in Behind the Pane, inviting listeners to consider how individual experiences shape the way we see and understand the world.
Greene County High School senior Jailyn McKellar delivered a heartfelt message in Little Tiger Surviving in the Big Jungle, reflecting on overcoming bullying and embracing authenticity as a source of strength.
Arrissa Robinson, an 11th-grade student, spoke candidly about fear and growth in Finding Your Voice, sharing her ongoing journey to speak with confidence despite the challenges of public speaking anxiety.
Matthew Vaughan, also an 11th-grade student, shared in his talk Small Decision, Big Life, how determination, discipline, and strategic thinking helped him succeed in football despite being undersized compared to his peers.
Addison Kelley, an 11th-grade student at Lake Oconee Academy, challenged assumptions and stereotypes in her talk, Overcoming Underestimation, sharing her journey from being overlooked to becoming a confident and respected speaker.
Midway through the program, Dr. Jody Worth, GCSS Executive Director of District Effectiveness, delivered a powerful and personal talk about resilience. Reflecting on a season in which she simultaneously battled cancer, supported her husband after he was shot in the line of duty, and completed her doctoral degree, she left the audience with a lasting message: “I had cancer; cancer didn’t have me.”
Behind each student speaker was a dedicated team of mentors composed of educators and community leaders who volunteered their time and expertise to support students in refining their ideas and strengthening their public speaking skills. Mentors included Mrs. Carina Baxley, Rev. Dr. Robert Bowling, Dr. Brad Bowling, Mrs. Ashley Harris-Wright, Mrs. Leigh Lovett, Mrs. Alex Merritt, Mrs. Stacey Schmuhl, and Mrs. Caroline St. John.
The event was emceed by Wesley Glosson, GCSS Instructional Coach, and made possible through the collaborative efforts of district and school leadership, including Dr. Jody Worth and Mrs. Caroline St. John, who played key roles in bringing the vision to life.
“This event represents what is possible when students are given the opportunity and support to share their voices,” Dr. Akella said. “It’s about more than public speaking—it’s about confidence, identity, and the power of ideas to inspire change.”