I am a junior at Vail Mountain School who loves the mountain environment around us and believes that it should be protected. I love theatre, literature, and being mindful about our everyday decisions that do have an impact.

Melissa Schmitz is a professor, researcher, and consultant innovating the way we live, learn, and work. As founder of WISE HD, LLC, she works to make mind, brain, and education science useful for work, school, and family. Her talk “You Can Learn to be More Creative” introduces the world of creativity science. Join her to learn how to hone your creativity for life in an AI world.

Sadie Solomon is a 16-year-old student leader and TEDx Youth speaker. She spent eight years at VPAA, where she developed her voice and passion for meaningful connection and the arts. Sadie serves in Hope Squad, Student Council, as a Thespian Officer, and volunteers with Project Funway. Her talk explores how others’ opinions can weigh on us, and how surrounding ourselves with the right things makes it easier to live authentically.

Zoe is an IB1 student from Thessaloniki, Greece, passionate about diplomacy and international affairs, as well as the ethics behind emerging technologies. She leads the EPAS Ambassadors, an initiative that helps students understand the values of equality, morality and peacemaking while raising awareness in the community about global issues. Zoe believes that youth shouldn’t be restricted, but encouraged to stay curious and explore the intersection between science and the humanities in order to build a fairer, more inclusive society.

Drake Brown is an educator, school leader, and adoptive father. He became a parent through adoption during a season of family change that deepened his understanding of care, commitment, and presence. In his work with students, teachers, and families, Drake focuses on building trust, supporting adults, and helping people show up with consistency and compassion. His talk advocates for kids by strengthening the adults who care for them.

I am a junior at the Vail Mountain School. Alongside my love for learning, my passions for travel have brought me on new adventures in the past few years that have inspired my talk! My talk dives into customs, borders, and immigration, and while this is viewed as a contemporary topic, I wanted to talk about the history, and make an audience just as curious as I am. Look forward to why these systems were put into place, and what these systems mean in modern day society.

Lily is a junior at BMHS. She is involved in many different activities like theatre, speech and debate, choir, and cross country. Lily is very interested in history, art, and creative writing. She is considering majoring in political science or liberal arts, but knows she wants to travel the world after high school, and hopes to visit many different cultures, countries, states, and communities.

I am Milana Daniel, a youth performer who believes in hard work and authenticity. I grew up in Vail, Colorado, where community and creativity shaped my voice. I was selected to attend the Summer Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU, an experience that strengthened my commitment to my craft. Through performance, I aim to share honest stories, earn trust, and inspire others to pursue their passions with integrity onstage and beyond in every creative space.

I am a passionate music enthusiast whose taste has always set me apart from my peers. But I have come to see this challenge as my greatest strength. In this talk I draw on my background as a DJ for my local radio station, to connect my personal journey with uniqueness to personal growth and human connection. Through storytelling I hope to inspire personal acceptance and the courage to be different.

Creative Director of Stronger Together - A Living Demonstration Of Inclusion
Driven by the belief that unity amplifies our unique voices, Tsveti Fuentes bridges cultures and communities to foster radical belonging. A 2025 TEDxVailYouth speaker and This Is My Brave storyteller, she transforms personal narrative into collective strength. As co-creator of The Pause, she provided essential Spanish-language mindfulness resources for families. Rooted in her Eastern European heritage and multicultural household, she champions collaboration, proving that our diverse perspectives are the ultimate catalyst for empowerment.

Published author, varsity dance captain, and Communities That Care coalition member. I am italian-west indian, speak three languages. I strive to continue helping my community because my small actions and voice can help in a great way.

West Indian speaker of mixed heritage, deeply engaged in music-making, valuing creativity, self-acceptance, self-nurturing, and embracing personal and collective growth.

I am a biracial Black and Hispanic man who wants to share what these two cultures mean to me as well as how my culture is seen within my life here. I want my talk to enlighten others as to who I am and the struggles me and my people have faced.

I'm a junior at BMHS. Back in the beginning of my freshman year I was alone and isolated. I felt like I was lost in a desert with no contact to the outside world. But then, I discovered music and suddenly I felt like I had community. Like I finally found an oasis.