First-Ever 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.”
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) professor
Judith Anderson – health psychologist, U of T professor
Carrie Atkins – maritime archaeologist, U of T professor
Kanishkaa Karthi – Grade 7 student at Williams Parkway Sr. Public School
John Connelly – SMCS Director of Student Affairs
Marco Boci – Grade 12 SMCS student
Pablo Arellano-Rubach – Grade 11 SMCS student
Paul 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.”
Guest speakers were recruited by co-organizer Erwang (Oney) Shen, a graduate student from U of T, and through the TEDx website. SMCS students were selected through an application form shared with the student body.
“The event was an outstanding success, evident in the quality and authenticity of the talks, the professionalism of the student organizers, and the sustained engagement of the audience throughout the afternoon,” says Lumsden. “Speakers demonstrated confidence and vulnerability while attendees listened attentively. The impact was both immediate and lasting: students saw their peers step into leadership roles, presenters gained confidence in articulating their ideas, and the broader community witnessed the remarkable talent and thoughtfulness of the St. Michael’s College School community.”
With topics ranging from archaeological field classrooms and redefining stress to finding your passion, AI and authorship, changing how you see failure, and ending with a speech about microtonality in the Western world, SMCS students and guest speakers provided the audience and livestream viewers with thought-provoking ideas that were both inspiring and educational.
“I wanted to speak because this story of mine was something I had brushed aside as just another one of my life’s many experiences,” says Arellano-Rubach. “I realized that if there were even a remote chance that someone else was in the same position as me, I would want to offer them advice based on the choice I made and where it ultimately led me. At the same time, my time at SMCS is almost complete, and I wanted to leave my mark, but also ensure that I took every opportunity presented to me to grow as a person and as a lifelong learner.”
Karras adds, “I was incredibly nervous before going on stage. But once the nerves were gone, it was immensely gratifying. The ability to talk about new, interesting ideas and perspectives in front of an audience was an incredible experience that I will never forget.”
Following the event’s inaugural success, Lumsden is excited and committed to renewing TEDxSMCS Youth in the coming years.
“It has already shown its potential to become a signature SMCS tradition, and one that strengthens school culture, nurtures leadership skills, and reinforces the value of dialogue and innovation. Each year, the event can grow in scope and impact, offering more students the opportunity to contribute and engage meaningfully.”
Lumsden adds, “Among the many highlights were the courage and authenticity of the student speakers, and the seamless execution of the programme by the organizing team. Perhaps most importantly, there was a palpable sense of pride and shared accomplishment throughout the event. Overall, the inaugural TEDxSMCS Youth was not only a celebration of ideas but the beginning of something truly special that will continue to shape and inspire our community for years to come.”
In case you missed it, watch the recorded TEDxSMCS Youth livestream below:
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