Student Keynote
This time our Spotlight will be on our Student Members. What is on their minds? Nikki will explain why the kids are here and what are their motivations to get in front of this stage and deliver a speech of a lifetime.
Speeches
The stars of our show are our young speakers. From different ages and different schools in Naperville and Aurora, they will deliver a set of well-crafted and highly researched speeches on science, technology and business.
Networking
Spend some time networking with others at the event. All it takes is a smile, and a “Hello!”. Meet neighbors and friends that you’ve not met in a while. Chat with your teams on the Summer Project and just have a great time.
OUR SPEAKERS
Hridhaan
Parekh
Parekh
Hridhaan is an 8th-grade student at Scullen Middle School. He enjoys travelling and plays tennis.
He is passionate about Public Speaking. He is deeply interested in how experiences shape perspective and how people define success differently.
At this TED Event, Hridhaan will be speaking about redefining success.
Nia
Shah
Shah
Nia is a fifth grader attending Peterson Elementary School and will soon be graduating into Scullen middle school. She is a skilled figure skater and also has a deep interest in astronomy.
Nia’s speech "The Truth Behind Boredom" looks at the positive side of being bored and how to make boredom your ally.
Govardhan
Narayanan
Narayanan
Govardhan (Gopa) is an 8th grade student who loves both nature and history. He enjoys traveling and reading fiction and non-fiction books. He also loves hiking, surfing, skiing, visiting national parks, and spending time outdoors.
At this TED Event, he’ll be speaking about Interconnected Learning.
Tej
Mahali
Mahali
Tej is a 6th grader going to Granger Middle School. He loves spending time with his family and hanging out with his friends. He has lots of hobbies, such as soccer and basketball.
In his speech "Recycling Nuclear Waste", he explores the opportunities and options available to recycle nuclear waste.
Sumedha
Mittapalli
Mittapalli
Sumedha is a 7th grader at Heritage Grove Middle School.
She trains in Indian classical dance and has performed at several events.
In her speech "Why Curiosity beats Perfectionism" Sumedha explains the difference between Curiosity and Perfectionism and where our priorities should lie.
Adhyansha
Nagar
Nagar
Adhyansha is a 6th grader at Still Middle School.
At school, she is a part of various clubs such as Math Club, Science Olympaid, Equality Committee, and Student Council.
She also likes to volunteer at Dupage County Forest Preserve. Adhyansha is also a part of YMCA Swim league team.
Vediksha
Bacharwar
Bacharwar
Kinjal
Kakkar
Kakkar
Kinjal is an 8th-grade student at Scullen Middle School. She has been recognized by Congressman Bill Foster for her writing skills and by NAMI DuPage for her presentation. At school, Kinjal participates in the Science Olympiad and the honors choir. Kinjal loves math and enjoys painting in her free time.
Manidweep
Mutyala
Mutyala
Manidweep is a freshman with an avid interest in robotics. He has participated in the Illinois State Competition in both the FIRST LEGO League and VEX Robotics. His speech titled "How Robots are Rewriting the Story of Every Disaster" explores how robots and other technologies are helping humans during natural disasters.
Rohith
Chittaluri
Chittaluri
Rohith is an 8th grader with a strong interest in robotics. He has competed in the Illinois State Competition in both the FIRST LEGO League and VEX Robotics. His speech, titled “How Robots Are Rewriting the Story of Every Disaster”, explores how robots and other technologies are helping humans during natural disasters.
Avneesh
Sivachidhambaram
Sivachidhambaram
Avneesh is a 7th grader at Scullen Middle School.
He loves math, building robots, and expressing his creativity through art.
Avneesh’s speech on "Project-Based Learning (PBL)" goes into the future of effective learning and why we should all pay close attention.
Rishav
Kantamneni
Kantamneni
Rishav is an 8th-grade student with a strong passion for robotics and innovation.
He enjoys drawing, running, and playing tennis in his free time.
Rishav’s speech, “The Future of Autonomous Cars,” explores how self-driving vehicles are evolving and the impact they will have on humanity.
Tisya
Jain Shah
Jain Shah
Tisya Shah is a 13‑year‑old student who was born in Dublin, Ireland. At her school in Ireland, she was the only foreign student was often treated differently. Her classmates—and even her teacher—formed first impressions of her that differed from those of the other students. That experience inspired her speech, “First Impressions.”
Aradhanaa
Ramasubramanian
Ramasubramanian
Aradhanaa is an eighth grader at Granger middle school. She is passionate about speaking and loves getting involved in community activities.
Aradhanaa has several creative interests like dance, music and sports.
She aspires to pursue a career in law.
Nikki
Nanduru
Nanduru
Nikki is an 8th grade student at Granger Middle School. She has been a member of Plastikeers for over 4 years.
At School, she is involved in many clubs and music groups. Beyond school she practices Indian classical dance as well.
Speeches from our 05-2026 Event
Hridhaan
Parekh
Nia
Jain
Govardhan
Narayanan
Tej
Mahali
Sumedha
Mittapalli
Adhyansha
& Vediksha
Manidweep
& Rohith
Kinjal
Kakkar
Avneesh
Sivachidhambaram
Rishav
Kantamneni
Tisya
Jain Shah
Aradhanaa
Ramasubramanian
The Plastikeers TED Ed Program started out in April 2023. As a part of the Plastikeers Toastmasters Gavel Club, our speakers go through intense training in public speaking. The TED program introduced the importance of Research, Mentor review, Professionalism & seriousness and decorum in speech delivery.
72
Months of Operation
4160
Hours of Practice