Theme: Breaking Barriers

We hope to emphasize the importance of overcoming challenges and bridging differences. Our speakers will illustrate for us how we can all break barriers around the world, in our own community, and in our own lives.

Unionville High School
750 Unionville Road
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, 19348
United States

Advith Rajkumar

Student

Advith Rajkumar is a current junior at Unionville High School. A leader both inside and outside of school, Advith is the Vice-President of the FFA chapter at TCHS, where he champions agricultural education and leadership. He also serves as the Secretary of Paws and Pals at Unionville, helping to foster connections between students and their community while promoting animal welfare. A talented competitor, Advith recently earned 1st place in the district SkillsUSA competition and will be advancing to the state level. His musical accomplishments include placing 4th in the PMEA Choir competition, where he is set to compete at regionals. Advith balances academics, leadership, and extracurricular excellence with resilience and determination. In his TEDx talk, Advith will share his perspective on personal growth, overcoming challenges, and the importance of embracing diverse passions.

Ben Budicak

Student

Ben Budicak is currently a senior at UHS. He enjoys listening to and playing music, drawing, being outside, psychology, and stand-up comedy. Ben has spoken on Transgender rights during his freshman year and is excited to bring his thoughts and ideas to the stage. Ben has also taken inspiration from humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers and his work with the Rogerian argument. He plans to attend New York University.

Christiana Koncir

Student

Christiana Koncir is a current senior at Unionville High School. She is a part of a variety of clubs, including Women’s Empowerment, Women in Engineering, and her participation in LINK. As a coxswain on UHS’s crew team and soon UMass Amhert’s program, Christiana aspires to guide others with her voice. In her TEDx talk, she wants to speak on her invisible battle with OCD, and how it's not too late to seek answers.

Clara Stancik

Student

Clara Stancik is a sophomore at Unionville High School. She enjoys exploring various clubs and events as well as learning new skills. Clara is a committed athlete, running at varsity level for the Unionville Cross Country and Track teams year-round. She also takes part in the Unionville orchestra program as the lead violist and is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Additionally, Clara is involved in the Technology Student Association (TSA). In her free time, Clara finds pleasure in gardening and hiking alongside her family and spending time with her friends. Through her speech, Clara hopes to inspire others to embrace doubt as a powerful tool for growth and progress by challenging assumptions, questioning the world, and keeping an open mind.

Emily Field

Student

Emily Field, a sophomore at Unionville High School, is actively involved in various school activities, including the Unionville Color Guard, Speech and Debate, theater productions, musicals, and multiple choir ensembles. Beyond her musical talents, Emily uses her voice to advocate for causes she deeply believes in. Growing up in a culturally diverse household has shaped her appreciation for diversity and the importance of embracing differences. In her TEDx talk, she aims to inspire others by highlighting the value of multilingualism and fostering a greater understanding of foreign languages.

Mia Nie

Student

Mia Nie is a current sophomore at Unionville High School. She enjoys participating in various school activities with both dedication and the will to try new things. Mia is involved in a diverse community, including the school orchestra program, Technology Student Association (TSA), Biolympiad, and Spanish Honors Society. Outside of school, Mia continues her musical hobby as a member of the Philadelphia Young Artist Orchestra. She also treasures quality time with her family and friends, whether it is from chatting at lunch or playing an exciting round of Exploding Kittens at night. In her speech, Mia hopes to shed light on the small joys in life and remind us all why it is okay to embrace moments of boredom.

Nick DelDotto

UHS Teacher

Mr. DelDotto is a Social Studies teacher at Unionville High School, where he has been working with students for over a decade. His teaching philosophy is rooted in the principles of kindness, community, and creativity. In such an environment, students are empowered to take bold risks, think critically, and embrace their creativity. Mr. DelDotto strives to make his classroom a vibrant and inclusive space where students feel inspired to explore their full potential. His teaching style is characterized by lively energy and an infectious love for learning. He strives to spark curiosity, inspire self-reflection, and cultivate a sense of joy in his students, encouraging them to approach education with enthusiasm and wonder. By fostering a supportive and dynamic atmosphere, Mr. DelDotto promotes not only learning, but also connection and collaboration, as students grow and thrive together as a team.

Patrick Crater

UHS Staff

Patrick is the Director of Student Activities for the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District. With more than 18 years of professional experience, Patrick leads the district’s student activities program which provides hundreds of important opportunities for students in athletics, performing arts, clubs and activities. He is also responsible for district-wide leadership development for students and staff members in all job categories. Patrick has experience leading the district through transformational decisions using community engagement and consensus building processes. Patrick holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Prior to his work in athletic administration, he was a teacher at the elementary and high school levels, and a varsity wrestling coach. Patrick is based in Chester County, PA, where he enjoys the beautiful landscape and spending time with his family.

Tessa Kelly

Student

Tessa Kelly is a current freshman at Unionville High School. She is a member of the UHS Girls’ Field Hockey team and participates in other school activities such as the musical. She also plays flute in the band. Outside of school, she loves hanging out with friends and family, horseback riding, and diving into a new book every week. Through her TEDx talk, Tessa hopes to help people break down their own self stereotypes and free them from their own thoughts.

Tiffany He

Student

Tiffany He is a sophomore at Unionville High School with a passion for public speaking, music, and volunteering. She is an active member of the Unionville Speech Team, HOSA, and TSA. In the music department, Tiffany has played piano for 12 years and performs with the Unionville Orchestra. Outside of academics, she enjoys exploring new foods and spending time with friends. In her speech, Selfishness to Selflessness, she challenges the hypocrisy of everyday complaints about selfishness—a common flaw we all share.