Making Something Special Together: A Reflection on TEDxYouth@ISPrague 2025

By Lawrence Hrubeš, Upper School Teacher

On October 18, 2025, I watched an extraordinary group of young people produce a special half-day event in ISP’s Main Theatre, marking the culmination of eight months of hard work. It was the school’s 11th annual TEDx Youth event, which some long-time TEDx supporters felt was the best one we’ve ever had. 

Seven selected students from grades 8 to 12 were joined by two teachers and two guest speakers, all of whom shared meaningful ideas and experiences in the form of engaging TED-style talks. In addition to presenting before a live audience without any notes, each talk was recorded by the student film team. A small group of video editors, supported by film teacher John Miller, is already busy editing the talks, which will be available on TED’s official TEDx channel at the beginning of 2026. 

For me as a TEDx adviser since 2015, the most inspiring thing about our ISP event is witnessing groups of students collaborating, learning, problem solving, and finally excelling as the whole thing comes together.

The students are entrusted with real responsibility and meaningful tasks, and they know that others are depending on them. Despite some naturally stressful moments along the way, the pride they feel in their accomplishments is obvious. That’s certainly true of all the speakers, who are the more visible stars of the event. But it’s equally true of the hardworking students on the organising team, and those who operate the audio and lighting systems in the theatre, under the guidance of Theatre Manager Josh Stewart. 

Some of this year’s ideas included the incredible potential of quantum computing; the need to understand history to make sense of our present world; the consequences of ignoring women in the field of scientific research; how what feels and sounds right or wrong in music is ultimately based on our culture and experience; and what traditional artisanal work like blacksmithing can teach us in our fast-paced, disposable society.

There were also student talks about how social and technological pressure harms young girls’ sense of their own identities, and a passionate argument for making robotics a core subject in high school — not for the STEM skills but for the social skills that develop while working with a team. 

All of these compelling ideas were shared by ISP students who auditioned in the spring of 2025 and then spent about half a year thinking, reading, discussing, drafting, and revising their talks, responding to feedback from their coaches and the TEDx organising team. 

Three adult speakers presented moving talks about music composed by people imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps and Soviet labour camps; overcoming the stigma of ADHD, then learning to coach young people with that neurodiverse condition; and a deeply personal reflection on how we want to be remembered after we’re gone. An inspiring change of atmosphere was experienced by everyone as ISP music educator Jeremy Chapman performed a completely improvised piece on the flute, with original electronic backing tracks. 

The buzz of conversation during the break between talks – as the audience enjoyed excellent catered treats sponsored by our catering partner Aramark – made it clear how thought-provoking the TEDx talks were. As a long-serving teacher at ISP, I’m personally inspired by the ways our students rise to the challenge of producing this long, complex, public event – not for a formal academic grade, but for the personal growth, satisfaction and pride that comes from making something special together, something authentic, something that no one could have accomplished alone. 

Hoping to see you in the TEDx theatre next October,

Lawrence Hrubeš