Theme: Mavericks, Icons, Geniuses

ABOUT TEDx BROWN COUNTY SCHOOLS:
BCS is licensed to host an independently organized TEDx event. This will be a yearly event organized by a dedicated group of BCS school students and staff members along with individuals from our incredible community in Brown County. The State of Indiana has identified communication and collaboration as one of the top 5 characteristics that all students should leave K-12 with and the most impactful way to share who you are and what you care about. It can teach you how to communicate with others effectively, articulate your ideas clearly, and speak with confidence.

Brown County Music Center
200 Maple Leaf Blvd
Nashville, Indiana, 47448
United States

Adrian Coffman

Student

Adrian Coffman is a 6th grader from Brown County Middle School. His parents' names are Lacey Roberts, and Kevin Coffman. His grandparents, Jennifer “Juju” Crutchett, and Steve “The Old Man” Crutchett are also very important to Adrian. One day, Adrian would like to be a performing artist, so he joined Ted-Ed to help him learn to speak to people without freaking out. He loved when he performed for his peers in the high school auditorium. He hopes that this speech will get people to get involved with music in some way, whether it be listening, playing an instrument, singing or joining a musical community.

Alexia Hoffman

Entrepreneur

Meet Alexia, a passionate and determined business owner with a story that's as unique as it is inspiring. Originally from Southern California, Alexia made a bold move to Michigan on a lacrosse scholarship, not knowing a soul. After a year on the lacrosse team, she realized her heart was set on a different path, leading her to leave the team and forfeit her athletic scholarship in pursuit of a more fulfilled life. At the young age of 19, Alexia achieved a significant milestone—earning her real estate license. Fast forward a bit, and she proudly became a broker and owner at the age of 23. Her journey isn't just about resilience and commitment; it's filled with lessons and insights that can light a fire under anyone looking to carve their own path.

Ayla Hammes

Student

Ayla Hammes is a 6th grader at Brown County Middle School. She is the daughter of Kara and Clint Hammes and the older sister to Bree (and two cats named Thunder & Jingle). Her parents encourage her to be who she wants to be. Ayla joined TED-Ed to build confidence in speaking in front of a large crowd. She hopes that her speech inspires you to be your true self and encourages others to do the same!

Blaine Fuhs

Visionary Entrepreneur

Blaine Fuhs is a visionary entrepreneur, author, and director with a passion for guiding individuals beyond their platforms and into their true purpose. Having collaborated with global brands like Adidas, Google, Delta, and Land Rover, and worked with top entertainment talent including the Chainsmokers, Marshmello, and Justin Bieber, Blaine brings a wealth of experience in leadership, business, and storytelling. His mission? To help others make impactful decisions rooted in love and uncover the deeper meaning behind their work.

Breelynd Phelps

Student

Breelynd Phelps, a third-grade student from Sprunica Elementary, is the daughter of Amber and David Phelps and sister of Cora Phelps. She has one dog named Olive, two cats named Daisy and Minnie, and is the proud owner of a brand new playful puppy named Burk! Breelynd is a member of Girl Scouts, TedEd, and track. She is also an active member of the United Methodist Church. Helping animals, being an advocate for all living things, being assertive, and God are all very important to her. Breelynd wants to teach you the power of prayer and how it can change lives- she knows from first hand experience!

Jay Gross

Educator

“After a motorcycle accident in 1986 crushed the 7th thoracic vertebrae in my back and left me less than a ¼ of an inch from being paralyzed from my chest down, I take each day as a gift. While I was recuperating for six months, my Mom mentioned how I would be a good teacher and how the neighborhood kids flocked to me when I was outside to learn football plays and hear me tell stories. It stuck. I recently retired after 30 years of teaching at Shepherd High School, and 34 days later accepted a position teaching Speech/Debate at Morley Stanwood High School. I am still being told countless times my stories make learning relate, and make it easier to understand. My name is Jay Gross, and I am an English, Speech, & Debate teacher. I also teach as an adjunct professor of English and Speech at Montcalm Community College and am currently teaching at St. Louis High School for dual enrollment.

John Lechleiter

Chairman Emeritus of the Board Eli Lilly and Company

Dr. John Lechleiter retired as president and chief executive officer of Eli Lilly and Company on December 31, 2016, after more than 37 years of service. He chaired Lilly’s board of directors from January 2009 through May 2017. Dr. Lechleiter joined Lilly in 1979 as a senior organic chemist in the chemical process research and development division. He became head of his department in 1982. He subsequently held roles in product development, project management, regulatory affairs, and pharmaceutical operations. In 2005, he was named President and Chief Operating Officer and joined Lilly’s board of directors. He became CEO on April 1, 2008. Dr. Lechleiter earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Xavier University (Ohio) in 1975 and masters and doctoral degrees in organic chemistry from Harvard University.

Makenzie Sadtler

Student

Mackenzie Sadtler, a 3rd grader at Van Buren Elementary is the daughter of John and Danielle Sadtler. Mackenzie’s Talk is appropriately titled, “Worry Wart” because she is a perfectionist and worries much of the time about meeting the high goals she sets for herself. Through this Talk, she hopes to not only help herself, but her audience with strategies she has begun to use in her own life.

SAUL PAUL

https://saulpaul.com/

SaulPaul is a three-time GRAMMY Nominated Musician with a Message. Part rapper/part singer-songwriter, SaulPaul is an entertaining artist who blends his voice, his guitar, and his loop pedal to create a live show that is nothing less than an experience. SaulPaul is an award winning #ChangeMaker who has performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and been featured on America’s Got Talent. His inspiring life story, which chronicles his journey from tragedy to triumph, has been shared through the documentary From Poverty to Prosperity as well as his memoir, Be the Change. SaulPaul is a three-time GRAMMY Nominated Musician with a Message. An award-winning #ChangeMaker, SaulPaul has performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and been featured on America’s Got Talent. His inspiring journey from tragedy to triumph has been chronicled in the documentary From Poverty to Prosperity and his memoir, Be the Change.