Bright ideas for the future often remain distant from the mainstream, as youth face alarming incarceration rates; restorative justice programs offer a way to break this cycle. Sophia is a grade 12 student from Isna High School in Mississauga, Ontario. She is passionate about public speaking, debating, and playing basketball with family and friends. She deeply values respect and empathy. Sophia hopes to shed light on the systematic practices which allow for the continuation of the school-to-prison pipeline and how we can fight it through her speech. Her goal in life is to be able to advocate for others through using her opportunities to shed light on issues that society turns a blind eye to. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Reimagining healthcare innovation through creative approaches—such as proactive care, precision medicine, gene editing, and phage therapy—has the power to transform patient outcomes. James is a grade 11 student from Abbey Park High School. His speech will explore how to think outside of the box through bringing to light the troubles that we are encountering in medicine. He is fascinated by how new technological forces shape the medical field. His goal in life is to find meaning in society, with his core values being confidence and independence. Beyond academics, James enjoys playing the piano and swimming. One of his favourite quotes is: “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles”. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Quantum AI represents an imminent shift in technology that will soon redefine entire industries, making it crucial for today's workforce to understand and adapt. As quantum computing advances, roles across healthcare, climate science, finance, and logistics will increasingly rely on quantum-driven insights. Sharing this knowledge now empowers professionals and organizations to proactively integrate Quantum AI, positioning themselves as leaders in a future driven by unprecedented computational capabilities. Azhmeer Jesani is a rising high school senior passionate about quantum artificial intelligence (QAI) and dedicated to community enrichment. His innovative research earned him first place in Physics and Astronomy at the CCISD District Science Fair, along with the district’s prestigious Innovation Award for his exploration of practical applications in QAI classification algorithms. Beyond his academic pursuits, Azhmeer is deeply committed to environmental sustainability, earning the Eagle Scout rank for his impactful service project. He contributes creatively to his community as a photographer for the Southwestern Institutional Communications team and serves as an inaugural member of the Ismaili Youth Council, bridging communication between Ismaili youth and institutional leadership. Additionally, Azhmeer actively empowers his community by teaching Python programming, enriching his local community as a cellist in a community orchestra, and showcasing his talent internationally as a performing pianist. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Success is more than just wealth and fame. Its meaning varies from person to person, encompassing mental health, personal fulfillment, and diverse cultural perspectives—there is success in all these forms. Grace is a grade 11 student from M.M. Robinson High School in Burlington, Ontario. Her speech revolves around the idea of success and how we as a society may benefit from shifting our conventional view on the topic. This is a true passion for Grace as she believes that societal stress and the pressures of living up to standards is causing more harm than good. Outside of speaking, she is an acid student and leader, involving herself in as many extracurriculars as possible including student council, drama council, tech cre, link crew, student senate, and the Central Ontario Leadership Seminars Alumni Committee, giving back to her community through volunteering at the Burlington Food Bank, and more. Grace is a very passionate student and is dedicated to doing the best she can to achieve her goal of becoming a doctor when she grows up. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Schrödinger’s Cat thought experiment reveals the profound role of uncertainty in quantum physics, while also reflecting how uncertainty shapes everyday decisions—from choosing a TV series to embarking on life’s next big adventure. Umair is a grade 8 student at Viola Desmond Public School in Milton, Ontario, with a passion for science and a curiosity that knows no bounds. He finds joy in exploring complex concepts and making them accessible for everyone, with a keen interest in physics. Umair has been captivated by the mysteries of quantum mechanics, particularly the thought experiments proposed by physicist Erwin Schrodinger, a topic he will be diving into on stage. He will unpack the intriguing paradox and its implications in understanding reality and uncertainty. He encourages the audience to ponder the question: what does it really mean for something to exist? This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

The line separating perception against reality is often a blurred line, shaped not by objective truth but by our choices, beliefs, and identities, revealing how deeply intertwined and subjective our understanding of the world can be. Saanvi is a grade 11 student that attends Abbey Park High School. Saanvi is fascinated by the way the mind works – not just in theories and textbooks, but in real life. At her core, she values genuinity, reliability, and curiosity. She believes in the power of understanding – whether it’s understanding ourselves, others, or the world around us. Psychology plays a crucial role in helping us recognize biases, strengthen relationships, and challenge the way reality is perceived. Saanvi’s talk explores these hidden influences. She hopes that her talk inspires the audience to see the world from a perspective they may have never considered before. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx