In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Olentangy Liberty High School Auditorium
3584 Home Rd
Powell, Ohio, 43065
United States

Aditya Dyta

Student

Aditya Dyta is a Senior at Olentangy Liberty High School. His interests lie in the interplay of the gut microbiome, nutrition, behavioral economics, and wellness. He researches the efficacy of probiotics as interventional treatments for disease at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He hopes to become a leader in the medical community advocating for physician wellness and quality of care while leveraging AI to innovate. Aditya is a captain for OLHS’s science Olympiad team, and an Officer of the Powell Youth Council. His interests in public health lead have lead him to formulate public health campaigns in Nigeria, and help send STEM kits to underprivileged schools around the world. Through his various involvements, he is passionate about empathetic understanding, mindset, and innovative thinking for a productive community. He enjoys golfing, singing Italian songs, and biking.

Ashley Parker

Teacher

Ashley Parker is an Intervention aide at the school. In this role, she provides support to students who need extra assistance with educational and life skills. She has been in this career field for 10 years, with 6 of those years spent in the Olentangy school district. Ashley is fortunate to have not only graduated from Liberty High School but also to have returned as a teacher. Throughout the years, she has gained valuable insights both as a student and as a teacher, and she is excited to share what she has learned.

Ben Kurian

Student

Ben Kurian is a freshman at Olentangy Liberty High School who enjoys exploring creative and meaningful ways to connect with others. Music has been a significant part of his life—he has played the piano for 10 years, performs in his church, and is a violinist for the All-State Orchestra. Ben is a state qualifier in Lincoln-Douglas debate and a high-achieving member of HOSA, gaining valuable experience in advocacy and teamwork. As a national and international award-winning videographer, his work, including his recent award-winning documentary, The Road to Vision Zero, has been honored by senators, governors, and this weekend, at an international transportation conference in Dallas. Through all his endeavors, Ben is passionate about combining his interests to make a positive impact.

C.C. Dragoni

Student

Cecilia Dragoni is a current junior at Olentangy Liberty high school. She is a high jumper for the track and field team, an active member in the Class Cabinet, and a part of 2nd and 7. She loves Taylor Swift music, spending time with family, and being outdoors. She is also an avid traveler who loves to explore different parts of the world. As a type 1 diabetic she cares deeply about advocating for increased awareness about the condition and support for new treatments. She is always eager to meet new people and hear differing ideas and opinions as a way to broaden her perspective in a world full of diverse experiences. Cecilia is passionate about sharing her voice and experiences with the community.

Dylan Yee

Student

Dylan Yee is a sophomore at Olentangy Liberty High School. He is a member of Liberty’s Advanced Select Choir and Sinfonia Orchestra. He also competes as a cross country runner and a distance runner on the track team. Outside of school, Dylan is actively involved in Scouting America (formerly known as Boy Scouts of America) and holds the rank of Life Scout. He is also an American Ninja Warrior athlete, training at Movement Lab Ohio, and has competed in season 17 of the show and season 3 on American Ninja Warrior Junior.

Grant Gilsdorf

Teacher

Grant Gilsdorf is an art teacher here at Olentangy Liberty, where he has contributed significantly to the growth of the school's art program. He is also an accomplished contemporary realistic painter, blending realism, symbolism, and portraiture in his work. Mr. Gilsdorf’s paintings have been featured in notable publications like American Art Collector and Fine Art Connoisseur. In addition to exhibiting nationally, he shares his expertise by teaching painting, inspiring both students and fellow artists alike.

Mark Marinelli

Teacher

Mark Marinelli is a teacher and the head coach of the boys' varsity wrestling team at here at Liberty. With over 18 years of coaching experience at our school, he has significantly contributed to the wrestling program's success. In recognition of his outstanding coaching, Mr. Marinelli was named Coach of the Year by ThisWeek Sports in 2018. Before joining Liberty, he served as the head coach at St. Francis DeSales High School from 1993 to 2007, leading the team to two state runner-up finishes. Mr. Marinelli's dedication to both teaching and coaching has left a lasting impact on the students and athletes he mentors.

Monnishaa Tambe

Student

Monnishaa Tambe is a current junior at Olentangy Liberty High School, who is driven by a passion for using her voice to share ideas and positively help others. With three years of experience on the speech and debate team, she has earned a spot as a state qualifier each year. As the secretary of her school’s HOSA chapter and a committed volunteer at the Columbus Zoo for over four years, Monnishaa continues to nurture her desire to help her community. She has also launched multiple interview series to assist and inspire her peers, and she is a national podcast qualifier for the NPR and New York Times. Outside of her academic and extracurricular commitments, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring the outdoors, and reading a wide range of books.

Sydney Yee

Student

Sydney Yee is a junior at Olentangy Liberty High School. She is a member of Liberty’s Choraliers concert choir and competes as a hurdler and sprinter on the track team. In addition to her studies at OLHS, she attends Olentangy STEM Academy, where she is currently enrolled in the Biomedical pathway. Outside of school, Sydney is involved in Scouting America (formerly known as Boy Scouts of America), where she is a Life Scout. She is also an American Ninja Warrior athlete, training at Movement Lab Ohio, and has competed in seasons 15, 16, and 17. With her numerous extracurricular activities, she understands the importance of a community and its impact on a person.