BY RACHEL FERRARI
Staff Writer

TED talks may be reserved for the rich and famous, but Baldwin will soon be one of the first schools in the area to host its own TEDx talk. The event is expected to be a half-day conference taking place on April 23 in the LGI.

Baldwin’s talk is being organized by English teacher Dr. Daniel Harrold.

“I originally wanted to do one with my students, but they suggested we open it up to everyone,” Harrold said.

TED is short for “Technology, Education, Design,” and speakers at TED talks explain important ideas, often in storytelling format. TEDx is a special, independently organized subset that includes schools.

To host a TEDx talk, a group just has to send in an application, and any organization can apply, Harrold said. Baldwin’s application was accepted in September.

Baldwin’s theme is “Connectivity,” which Harrold says is intentionally vague in order to get a full range of discussion. The talk is meant to explore the positive aspects of the school.

“My biggest hope for the event is that all who attend, either in person or virtually, come away inspired and with a better understanding of what makes Baldwin so special,” Director of Information and Instructional Technology Dr. Janeen Peretin said.

Around 25 teachers, administrators, and students may speak at the TEDx talk. There will be an application to pick student speakers for the event.

Peretin is considering giving a talk, she said.

“The theme is very meaningful to me since I have been connected to Baldwin either as a student, teacher, or administrator for the past 24 years of my life,” Peretin said.

Gifted Coordinator Debbie Reynolds also aims to give a talk at the event. Though she hasn’t decided on the exact content, her talk would include personal stories tied in with school.

“Our school district has made a commitment of trying to let students explore and be exposed to many of the great ideas that are out there,” Reynolds said, “I think this is another tool that we can use to showcase what a great school we have.”

Junior RaeAnn Firek says that the idea seems intriguing, but she wants to find out more about it before making a decision.

“I probably won’t apply because I don’t like public speaking,” Firek said, “but I’m sure some people will be interested.”