Past TEDx event

TEDxValenciaHighSchool

Took placeFebruary 27, 2026
LocationPlacentia, California, United States
FormatYouth
Each year, when our TEDx leadership team begins the process of selecting a theme, we ask one guiding question: What are students living through right now? Not what looks good on paper. Not what sounds inspirational in theory. But what is actually shaping them—challenging them, stretching them, redefining them. This year, the answer was unmistakable: Metamorphosis. The teenagers of 2026 are not simply growing up—they are transforming. They are navigating a world that shifts faster than any generation before them: technology that evolves overnight, identities that are constantly questioned and refined, global issues that feel impossibly large, and personal pressures that are often invisible to the outside world. They are expected to adapt, perform, lead, and decide who they are becoming—all at once. And yet, here they are. Metamorphosis is not about instant change. It is not about perfection. It is about the often-uncomfortable process of becoming—of shedding what no longer fits, sitting in uncertainty, and emerging stronger, wiser, and more self-aware. Much like the adolescent experience itself, transformation is rarely neat, linear, or predictable. It requires patience, courage, and an extraordinary amount of resilience. At Valencia High School, we are deeply committed to creating a campus where students are supported through that process. A place where they are challenged academically, nurtured emotionally, and encouraged to take intellectual risks. A place where they are not just preparing for the future—but actively shaping it. Our students are learning that growth does not happen in isolation; it happens in community, through connection, reflection, and the willingness to listen to ideas different from their own. The speakers you are about to hear tonight embody that journey. They have taken the theme of Metamorphosis and used it as a lens to examine themselves and the world around them. You will hear ideas rooted in science, art, psychology, culture, identity, and lived experience—ideas that reflect transformation on both a personal and societal level. And I promise you, you will quickly forget that the individuals on this stage are still in high school, because insight, empathy, and intellectual bravery have no age requirement. As an educator and as a human being, one of the greatest gifts of TEDx is the reminder that every person carries a story worth telling and an idea worth sharing. These students are not just future thinkers and leaders—they are thinkers and leaders right now. So tonight, I invite you to listen with curiosity. To lean into discomfort. To allow your own thinking to evolve. Because metamorphosis does not end with the speaker—it continues with the audience. Welcome to TEDxValenciaHighSchool 2026 – METAMORPHOSIS. Ideas are about to transform us.

Speakers

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

  • Aarna Vaiyapuri

    Student Speaker

    Aarna Vaiyapuri is a creatively chaotic Junior (Class of 2027) at Valencia High School, who is fueled by curiosity, big ideas, and advocacy. She is a sociable person who enjoys immersing herself in the worlds of music, writing, art, and debate. Aarna has been learning Indian Carnatic music since she was 6 years old and has been drawing ever since she first laid her hands on paper. She believes that words have power; She writes to uncover meaning and speak to turn ideas into impact, and I always say that if a picture is worth 1000 words, then 1000 words can paint a picture! Aarna worked on this year's TEDx Leadership team, and this is her second talk.

  • Aashna Shah

    Student Speaker

    Aashna Shah is a senior at Valencia High School enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program. She is a dedicated member of Chemistry Olympiad, and competes in state and national level competitions in FBLA and Academic Decathlon. Aashna enjoys learning about chemistry and biology and is pursuing biomedical engineering. She also loves to learn about Indian traditions and languages, and strives to better understand her roots and culture. In her free time, Aashna likes doing Bollywood dances, reading, sketching, and watching movies, and her motto is to enjoy the little things in life.

  • Ace Michel

    Student Speaker & Musician

    Ace Michel is a graduating Senior enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program. Ace is very creative, finding outlets in music and working with his hands. He is able to play guitar, upright bass, electric bass, and many more. He is the 1st chair bass in the VHS Camerata orchestra. In addition to orchestra, Ace has been very involved in the VHS Music programs and LINK Crew program. When he isn't doing work, he is working on projects in his garage at home.

  • Adam Kim

    Student Speaker

    Adam Kim is a graduating Senior at Valencia High School, enrolled in the IB Diploma Program, and hoping to pursue my academic interest in politics as well as a career in law. Outside of the classroom, I'm involved in various competitive clubs, and in my free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and following soccer. Adam has been awarded the prestigious title of "National Merit Finalist" and has earned recognition for his work with the Nixon Library.

  • Ahnsh Shah

    Student Speaker

    Ahnsh Shah is a freshman in the International Baccalaureate and ValTech programs at Valencia High School. He is driven by a passion for academic excellence and a commitment to continuous self-improvement. With strong interests in mathematics and computer science, Ahnsh enjoys challenging himself to learn new concepts and apply them in meaningful ways. Beyond the classroom, he plays on Valencia’s tennis team and participates in the robotics program, where he expands his knowledge of technology and innovation. He is also an active member of Future Business Leaders of America and Academic Decathlon. In his free time, Ahnsh enjoys learning about cars, exploring new technology, and following American football. He aspires to pursue a career in computer science or sports analytics to create solutions that positively impact others.

  • Alexandra Pinheiro Khair

    Student Speaker

    Alexandra is a high school Senior attending Valencia High School who has a strong love for science and math. Through her strong involvement in FIRST Robotics, rigorous studies through the IB program, and her passion for helping her community in Girl Scouts, she continues to strengthen her community. Alexandra worked as part of this year's TEDx Leadership team and this is her second talk.

  • Ananya Barjatiya

    Student Speaker & One of CA's Youngest Certified Yogi

    Ananya Barjatiya is a senior in Valencia High School’s Val Tech program who works at the intersection of artificial intelligence, storytelling, and youth mental health. She is a voice actor, one of California’s youngest certified yoga teachers, and the founder of Yoga Connect, a science-backed wellness initiative for teens.

  • Anthony Pinheiro Khair

    Student Speaker

    Anthony Pinheiro Khair is a graduating senior and member of the VHS Val Tech Program. He is an outdoorsy person and an aspiring engineer who's interested in physics and aerospace. Anthony likes spending time with his family, hanging out with friends, and making good memories!

  • Arvin Sachdeva

    Student Speaker

    Arvin Sachdeva is a 9th grader who is an extremely motivated young individual and one who understands the importance of being well-rounded. Arvin is the type of person who understands that you need social connections as much as you need a strong work ethic. Arvin is a gifted public speaker, honing his techniques via FBLA, and NSDA. Arvin is also currently working as a Non-Degree Engineer @ Abbott Laboratories. is a Dual IB and Val Tech Student, and Co-Founder @ Mariposa Health Initiative.

  • Delilah Yick

    Student Speaker

    Delilah Yick is a senior pursuing a variety of extracurriculars and an International Baccalaureate Diploma. In addition to TEDx, she participates on campus in theatre, APISU, and HSDems of VHS, and is Vice President of NHS and captain of VHS’s Hip-Hop team. Outside of school, she spends most of her time volunteering, teaching at her dance studio, interning at the Nixon Library, and studying at cafes. Delilah worked as part of this year's TEDx Leadership team and this is her third talk.

  • Evelyn Yao

    Student Speaker

    Evelyn Yao is a senior at Valencia High School who is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate and Val Tech programs. As her school magazine's Co-Editor-in-Chief and founder/executive director of LIT UP, her literacy initiative for underserved elementary school students, Evelyn strives to spread positive social impact by sharing her love for reading and writing.

  • Lingyi Weng

    Student Speaker

    Lingyi Weng is a junior at Valencia High School who is passionate about law and policy. In school, she is a part of Mock Trial, FBLA, Science Olympiad, and ValTech. She also runs her own club at school that teaches students about recent legislative changes. Outside of school, Lingyi is passionate about community service and volunteers for a variety of different organizations, including the Orange County Peer Court and Laos Empowerment. In her free time, she loves trying new cafes with friends, going shopping, and taking photos for her overly-curated Instagram feed. She enjoys reading books, running, and writing policy-analysis articles for an online journal. Lingyi also listens to a lot of music, with some of her favorite artists being Taylor Swift, Dominic Fike, The 1975, and Audrey Hobert. In the future, she hopes to study Political Science and become a lawyer!

  • Megan Park

    Student Speaker

    Megan Park is a graduating Senior (Class of 2026) pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma at Valencia High School and serves as a varsity captain of the dance team. She spends most of her time dancing, whether that is taking or teaching classes. Megan is also actively involved in Future Business Leaders of America and Girl Scouts. With a deep passion for dance and creativity, she aspires to build a career that blends entertainment and business.

  • Nehemiah Chung

    Student Speaker

    Nehemiah Chung is a Junior (Class of 2027) at Valencia High School. He is the youngest of four children, and watching each of his siblings grow and come into their own has shaped his view of identity. Nehemiah is a member of the VHS IB Program, an active singer in the VHS Choir Programs, and member of the VHS Drama community (playing Schroeder in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown). To him, the most important things in life are faith, love, and curiosity.

  • Ria Nahar

    Student Speaker

    Ria Nahar is a 10th-grade student (Class of 2028) with a long-standing passion for Taekwondo, which she has practiced since the age of eight, and holds a second-degree black belt, which has shaped her discipline and resilience. Alongside athletics, Ria has been involved in FRC robotics for three years, is a CAD and mechanical student, has a strong passion for writing, and leads my nonprofit organization, Wilderness Welfare; after recently moving from Texas to California, she continues to pursue these interests while adapting to a new environment and community.

Organizing team