Theme: Find Your Voice

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).

Superior 71 Drive-In Theater
1482 300th Ave
Spirit Lake, Iowa, 51360
United States

Adison Frerichs

Adison just finished 8th grade at Okoboji Middle School set to graduate high school in 2024, and Chad is the head of technology at Adel Desoto Minburn and graduated from high school in 1992. They are certified SCUBA divers and have dove in many places, including the Gulf of Mexico. They are both coming together to give a talk on education as a father-daughter duo.

Caleb Miller

Caleb Miller has just completed his junior year at Okoboji High School. He has had a variety of experiences that have shaped his outlook on life. Caleb has been in both comfortable and uncomfortable situations. He chooses to live life on the wild side and share how important it is to do things out of your comfort zone. He is surely one to keep the audience on their toes!

Carson Miller

Carson Miller grew up in small-town Iowa, but she spent her childhood dreaming of ways to escape it. Then she attended the United World College in New Mexico, she met people from around the world and learned how important it is to be proud of where you are from. Carson has had many opportunities to travel the world, but she always comes back to Iowa. Now she studies International Agriculture and Rural Development at Cornell University. In her TED Talk she will discuss her passion for empowering rural students to build rural communities.

Chad Frerichs

Adison just finished 8th grade at Okoboji Middle School set to graduate high school in 2024, and Chad is the head of technology at Adel Desoto Minburn and graduated from high school in 1992. They are certified SCUBA divers and have dove in many places, including the Gulf of Mexico. They are both coming together to give a talk on education as a father-daughter duo.

Hayley Harms

Haley Harms is 16 years old and has recently finished her sophomore year at Okoboji High School. She decided to explore out of her comfort zone by teaching herself sign language in the 6th grade. In her free time, Haley enjoys reading, dancing, and being on her competitive swim teams.

Jon Pausley

Jon Pausley lives in Milford and is the executive director at the Okoboji Bible Conference. He has learned a lot about his personality and it helps him to understand others. His master's work involved a lot of personality theory and helped him understand the importance of how personality affects your life and others. He has three kids who go to Okoboji Community Schools and he serves on the school board. He also has a 110 lb chocolate lab.

Lexi Duffy

Lexi Duffy has currently completed her sophomore year at Okoboji High School. She has played almost every sport in the book including, cross country and track with her twin sister, and swimming competitively as well. Lexi also participates in theater, performing in Okoboji High School speech and the musical. Being so involved in a large number of activities, Lexi has sometimes struggled with being addicted to achievement. She plans to share her story with learning to overcome that struggle, and how you can too!

Lucy Androski

Lucy Androski is 13 years old and just completed her 7th-grade year at Okoboji Middle School. As Lucy is our youngest speaker, she has a unique view on parenting teens. She enjoys music, art, and playing tennis.

Nadine Foster

Nadine Foster is an 18 year old student at Iowa Lakes Community College, but what you may not realize is that she is also currently within the foster care system; she plans on bringing her perspective to light with her talk. Nadine likes to write poetry, play guitar, create pottery, and most of all, help others.

Shai Markwardt

Shai Markwardt is 17 years old and recently finished her junior year at Spirit Lake High School. Shai is on the USA kettlebell marathon team. She also enjoys dance, band, music editing, and wants to be a lawyer! As you can see Shai loves to be involved in lots of activities and through everything her family has really helped her learn how to embrace her fear!