TEDxVerona High School

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Abigail Romanyshyn

  Student Speaker

  Abby Romanyshyn is a senior at Verona High School who believes that inspiration often comes from the smallest moments in everyday life. In her TEDx talk, “You Don’t Need a Stage to Inspire,” Abby shares personal stories about how simple acts like a compliment from a stranger, encouragement from a teacher, or the strength of a loved one can spark confidence and self-love. Through her talk, she reminds audiences that inspiration is contagious and that anyone, through their words, actions, or presence, has the power to positively influence others.

• Boden Maisano

  Student Speaker

  Boden Maisano is a senior at Verona High School and a committed student-athlete on the Verona football team. He will continue his academic and athletic career playing football at Ithaca College. In his TEDx talk, “Some Pipes, a Pub, and a Promise,” Boden shares the unexpected story of learning to play the bagpipes and how embracing awkward and uncomfortable moments can lead to growth, confidence, and new opportunities. Through humor and personal experience, he encourages others to push past social discomfort and discover what can happen on the other side of awkwardness.

• Henry Hayter

  Student Speaker

  Henry Hayter is a junior at Verona High School who enjoys thinking critically about culture, philosophy, and the ways everyday habits shape our lives. In his TEDx talk, “Buy Now, Pay Later: The Unspoken Cost of Consumerism,” Henry explores the paradox of modern abundance: how a world where we can have almost anything can still leave people feeling unsatisfied. Drawing on personal experiences, cultural observations, and ideas from psychology and philosophy, he encourages audiences to reconsider the role consumerism plays in their daily lives and to rediscover the value of focus, purpose, and meaningful connection.

• Marley Washington

  Student Speaker

  Marley Washington is a junior at Verona High School who is passionate about personal growth and helping others feel confident in their own voices. In her TEDx talk, “Don’t Give the Voice the Mic,” Marley explores the inner voice of self-doubt that many people experience before important moments. Through personal stories and examples from public speaking and everyday life, she shares how confidence is not about eliminating fear, but about choosing to move forward despite it. Marley encourages others to stop letting their inner critic take control and to speak, act, and show up even when they don’t feel completely ready.

• Michael Blaha

  Student Speaker

  Michael Blaha is a junior at Verona High School who enjoys exploring big ideas about courage, growth, and the challenges people face in everyday life. In his TEDx talk, Michael shares a personal perspective on bravery, arguing that being brave does not mean being fearless; it means choosing to act even when you are scared. Drawing on examples from history, pop culture, and his own experiences with social anxiety, he encourages others to confront fear rather than avoid it. In the future, Michael hopes to become a teacher and inspire students to find confidence in themselves and their voices.

• Michelle Mooncai

  Student Speaker

  Michelle Mooncai is a senior at Verona High School who plans to study civil engineering or architecture in college. She enjoys creative pursuits such as singing, archery, and exploring new ideas through design and problem-solving. In her TEDx talk, “Building More Than a Resume,” Michelle reflects on the pressure many students feel to constantly achieve and build the “perfect” resume. Through personal experiences and research, she explores the difference between obsessive passion and harmonious passion, encouraging others to pursue activities that bring genuine fulfillment rather than simply checking boxes for success.