Kevin Kruger, principal of Kenmore Junior/Senior High, and Karen Monaco, assistant principal, told the board on Sept. 9 about a student‑driven TEDx Youth event staged at the school. Staff said the school was the first public high school in Western New York to host a TEDx Youth event and that last year 14 twelfth‑grade students presented five‑ to seven‑minute talks at an official TEDx program staged in the school auditorium.

Why it matters: Teachers and students described the event as a high‑profile opportunity for student voice and presentation skill development. Two former student speakers, Ashley Stockmeyer and Hunter Hayes, told the board that preparing and delivering a TEDx talk helped them grow more comfortable speaking in large groups and supported their transition to college.

Student perspectives: Ashley Stockmeyer said she has social anxiety and initially dreaded public speaking, but writing and presenting a TEDx talk helped her. “The opportunity has really led me to see new challenges and opportunities in a positive way,” Stockmeyer said. Hunter Hayes said preparing and rehearsing the short talk was intense but “overall...a super positive experience that I was super glad to be able to do.” Both students credited teachers and staff for coaching through the process.

Program details: Staff described a year‑long process that included creativity workshops, coaching, audio‑visual planning and compliance with TEDx branding rules. Karen Monaco said TEDx imposes strict rules about branding and sharing media; the district said TED had now published the school’s talks, enabling students to include the experience on resumes. The district said its TEDx license has been renewed and that the next TEDx Youth event is scheduled for March 4; the school plans to increase the number of student speakers as the program grows.

Discussion vs. decision: This agenda item was a recognition/presentation; there was no board vote attached. The board encouraged continued student leadership and invited the public to attend the upcoming March event.

Background and support: Staff credited community partners and district technicians who provided lighting, microphones and signage that met TEDx guidelines. Principal Kruger and assistant principal Monaco thanked technical staff and community volunteers who helped stage the event.