North Penn Hosts 'Ignite Talks' For Gifted Middle School Students

LANSDALE, PA -- A unique public speaking event, in the style of TED Talks, is coming to North Penn middle schools.

Ignite Talks empowers students to give engaging public presentations on topics like the electoral college, autism, giving blood, and more.

The program will be held at Penndale and Pennbrook on Wednesday and Thursday, April 26 and April 27.

Described as a "fast paced event" that intentionally subverts Power Point-based presentations and associated expectations of public speaking, the Ingnite Talks were founded in 2006. They have since taken place at locations globally.

“Similar to a TED Talk, several of my eighth and ninth grade Gifted Seminar students will be speaking on a variety of topics ranging from ‘Abolish the Electoral College,’ ‘Autism – What You Need To Know,’ ‘Give Blood, Save A Life,’ ‘Pennfield’s Positivity Program – Phase 2’ and much more,” explained gifted teacher Glenn Yetter. “It’s our goal to motivate, inform and inspire the audience of students at each of the three middle schools.”

The goal is to "ignite" student interest in important current topics.

The first Ignite Talks event will be held on Wednesday, April 26 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pennbrook Middle School, located at 1201 North Wales Road in North Wales. The second session will be held on Thursday, April 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Penndale Middle School, located at 400 Penn St. in Lansdale.

Image via North Penn