First Ever TEDxYouth Event to Launch at SMCS
St. Michael’s College School’s (SMCS) first TEDxYouth event will hit the Centre for the Arts stage on January 16, 2026, providing students with a platform to share ideas under the theme ‘Redefining Perspectives.’
“Our ultimate goal is to develop the whole person by connecting with learning opportunities outside the traditional classroom, and TEDxYouth is a perfect opportunity,” says Dr. Daniel Lumsden ’96, event moderator and the school’s community engagement and learning lead. “This conference provides an authentic space for youth to explore meaningful topics, confront complex questions, and express perspectives that often go unheard in traditional academic settings.”
A first-of-its-kind initiative for the 173-year-old all-boys Catholic private high school, TEDxYouth events operate under the broader TEDx umbrella but are organized locally. They’re designed for young audiences to balance playful energy with thoughtful discussion.
“Our theme ‘Redefining Perspectives’ reflects the realities that young people navigate daily,” adds Lumsden. “In a world marked by rapid technological change, evolving identities, and increasing academic and social pressures, students are constantly redefining who they are and how they understand their place in the world. This theme invites speakers to share personal experiences, challenges, and discoveries that disrupt assumptions and promote empathy and authenticity.”
The initiative came together through a collaboration between Lumsden and Erwang (Oney) Shen, a graduate student at the University of Toronto studying developmental psychology and education. Shen previously helped organize TEDxUofT and saw firsthand how young people respond when they are trusted with a microphone and a bit of freedom. His experience helped shape the idea of bringing a similar platform to SMCS.
“It is an honour to be the co-facilitator of TEDxYouth SMCS. We are bringing together speakers from very different fields, including an archaeologist, a health psychologist, a neuroscientist, as well as student speakers from the St. Mike’s community,” says Shen, co-facilitator of TEDxYouth SMCS. “The success of the event is genuinely based on a spirit of sharing ideas, building curiosity, and exploring new ways of seeing the future and each other. St. Michael’s College School is a perfect partner because they are already deeply committed to formation—not just high academic achievement, but more comprehensive development of character, faith, leadership, and a sense of service.”
The roster of speakers for the January event will include three SMCS students, three university professors, and an SMCS faculty member. The hope is that the mix of voices will prompt the audience to rethink a few things along the way.
All members of our community are invited to attend. Tickets are $5, and they are on sale now. Visit St. Michael’s College School to purchase.
TEDxYouth SMCS will also be livestreamed at youtube.com/smcs1852.