TEDxSMCS Youth Marks Milestone for SMCS
Against the backdrop of the Centre for the Arts on January 16, 2026, eight speakers stepped into the spotlight as TEDxSMCS Youth ushered in a first for St. Michael’s College School (SMCS). “Hosting the inaugural TEDxSMCS Youth was a proud and energizing milestone for our school community and a powerful affirmation of our commitment to student voice and leadership,” says Dr. Daniel Lumsden ’96, the event’s moderator and community engagement and learning lead at SMCS. “This event created a meaningful platform for students and educators to share stories, challenge perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue that extended far beyond the classroom. From planning to execution, TEDxSMCS Youth reflected the very best of what St. Michael’s College School has to offer, and that is curiosity, courage, character, and a deep sense of purpose.” Judith Anderson, health psychologist and U of T professor spoke about redefining stress at TEDxSMCS Youth. The event’s theme of ‘redefining perspectives’ invited speakers with diverse backgrounds from SMCS and outside the school community who shared personal stories that challenged conventional views and encouraged empathy, authenticity, and growth. They included: Stephen Batliuk – archaeologist, University of Toronto (U of T) professorJudith Anderson – health psychologist, U of T professorCarrie Atkins – maritime archaeologist, U of T professorKanishkaa Karthi – Grade 7 student at Williams Parkway Sr. Public SchoolJohn Connelly – SMCS Director of Student AffairsMarco Boci – Grade 12 SMCS studentPablo Arellano-Rubach – Grade 11 SMCS studentPaul Karras – Grade 12 SMCS student “As a Grade 12 student, we are often viewed as leaders within our school community,” says Boci. “At a time when the world is in need of strong, thoughtful leadership, I felt that this opportunity could be used to encourage open-minded thinking and a willingness to engage with perspectives that challenge our own.” Marco Boci, Grade 12, the first SMCS student
