This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Children performed an original poem around a single word they each chose that represented their own spirit, their hopes, dreams and vision for their future. They accomplished this after dedicating themselves, writing and rehearsing, and putting their words into action as performance art. Singly, and together, they also demonstrated the results of honing their techniques through the after-school program with their original writing, teamwork, stage presence and speaking skills. Mikeala Miller and Brandon Sanders Brandon is 14 and an eighth grade student at Como Montessori school in Fort Worth. Mikeala is 12 years old who attends Dunbar Middle School .They have honed their skills through Voice2Youth, and award-winning poets and artist program presented by a nonprofit organization called the Thank You Darlin’ Foundation. Brandon is a published poet and the winner of three region-wide youth poetry slams. Mikeala says her reading and writing skills have improved tremendously and credits Thank You Darlin’ Foundation program with giving her more confidence to speak in front of an audience. About TEDx, x = independently organized event 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)

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