TEDxClinton: Beyond the Lens

On May 2, the Clinton Performing Arts Theater was alive with inspiration innovation and insight as TEDxClinton Central School hosted its annual event themed “Beyond the Lens.” The evening brought together a powerful lineup of speakers, students educators and community leaders who challenged audiences to reimagine how we see the world and the stories that shape our understanding of it.

From viral headstone preservation to sound healing and emotional intelligence the talks celebrated the courage to look deeper think differently and speak boldly. This year’s theme explored how the lenses, both literal and metaphorical, we use every day can limit or expand our worldviews. Each speaker invited the audience to shift their focus and consider new angles ultimately revealing hidden narratives and deeper truths.

We were honored to hear from these incredible speakers:

• Megan Barnes (Earth Science teacher from Madison Central School captivated the audience with her journey from cleaning headstones to preserving forgotten local history—one viral video at a time)
• Maria Maier (President of the CNY BizTalkers Club redefined leadership as a mindset not a title and empowered listeners to embrace their own voice)
• Brynn McKeone (Founder of Source Sound Healing shared her path into wellness and how vibration and energy can be powerful tools for healing and self awareness)
• Brandon Williamson (Creativity consultant and spoken word poet moved the audience with his call to action through performance and poetry)
• Christopher D Connors (Bestselling author and leadership expert inspired us to lead with emotional intelligence and purpose)
• Angelo Gaetano (Clinton Middle School student shared how comics helped shape his outlook on the world)
• Beatrice Kelly (Clinton Middle School student explored the danger of book bans)
• Susanna Noh (Clinton Middle School student reflected on the difficulty of shame)
• Blake Pflanz (Clinton Middle School student spoke on being a positive force in daily life)

Keep an eye out for these insightful talks coming soon to TED’s official YouTube channel!

We’re already looking ahead to next year’s TEDxClinton Central School event! If you’re interested in giving a TEDx talk and have an idea worth spreading, we want to hear from you. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or a community changemaker, your story could be the next to inspire. For more information or to express interest in speaking, please contact Sarah Gaetano.

Stay connected! 

Follow us on Instagram: @tedxccs 

Visit our website to stay updated on next year’s theme and application deadlines.

Together let’s continue to look beyond the lens and toward what’s possible.

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