By: Matt Jacobs

August 24, 2025, marks the return of TEDxCherryCreekHS, now entering its third consecutive year. 

Set to be held at Parker Arts, a beautiful venue near Cherry Creek High School, the event aims to highlight exciting ideas under the theme, “The New Era,” exploring innovations in technology, global economic shifts, and perspectives on the future.

Organized by the young, vibrant duo Michael Zhang (16) and Stephen Zhang (20), this TEDx event has garnered attention; not only for the thought-provoking ideas presented but also for the impressive achievements of its youthful organizers.

A Platform Born from Personal Experience

Michael Zhang’s journey into TEDx began with personal adversity. As a middle school student, Michael struggled with a serious video game addiction, regularly facing trouble in class for gaming. After overcoming this challenge, he gave a TEDx talk about his experience, which received significant attention and more than 30,000 views and led to speaking opportunities at various conferences and media outlets.

“That TEDx talk changed my life completely,” Michael explained during our interview. “I realized just how impactful this platform could be, not only for myself but for others in my community. That’s why I started hosting TEDx events—to bring this powerful opportunity to people around me.”

Inspiring a New Generation

Stephen Zhang shares his younger brother’s enthusiasm for TEDx, emphasizing its ability to transform both speakers and audience members.

“TEDx is special because it gives everyday people—students, neighbors, community members—a chance to share inspiring ideas,” said Stephen. “When you see someone stepping onto that stage, dedicating their time and energy to deliver a meaningful message, it’s deeply motivating.”

Stephen added, “This event isn’t just about one idea. It’s about opening the minds of the audience, especially younger people, to new possibilities. We want them to walk away feeling inspired, capable, and ready to shape the future.”

Success and Community Impact

TEDxCherryCreekHS distinguishes itself in meaningful ways. At their first event, the talks generated significant online engagement, with the twelve speakers collectively achieving more than 10 million views, surpassing what some organizers had anticipated. This encouraging response suggested that local TEDx events may have the potential to resonate with wider audiences and spark broader conversations.

“Seeing the talks resonate with millions of people around the world has been hugely motivating for us,” said Michael. “We realized that these ideas aren’t just limited to our school—they have the potential to inspire people everywhere.”

Their second event was equally inspiring. Stephen recalled a moment when high school students approached them afterward, excited and eager to organize their own TEDx event. This enthusiasm reassured the Zhang brothers that their efforts were not just resonating but sparking further engagement within their community.

“That’s exactly what we aim for,” Michael noted. “We want attendees to leave inspired—not just to think differently, but to take action themselves.”

A Timely and Thought-Provoking Theme

This year’s theme, “The New Era,” feels particularly relevant. With rapid advances in artificial intelligence, bold ambitions like Elon Musk’s Mars colonization efforts, and shifting global economics, TEDxCherryCreekHS seeks to explore the opportunities and challenges ahead.

“Our theme encourages speakers to bring forward fresh, innovative perspectives about where we’re headed as a society,” Michael explained. “Whether it’s technology, environmental solutions, or societal changes, we want speakers to envision and express how they see the future.”

Stephen also highlighted the importance of youth engagement with such topics. “Young people are at the core of these discussions. They’re the ones who will be living through and shaping this new era. Our event hopes to inspire them to be curious, creative, and forward-thinking.”

Young Organizers, Big Impact

An unusual but compelling aspect of TEDxCherryCreekHS is the young age of its organizers. At just 16 and 20, Michael and Stephen Zhang exemplify the very possibilities their event aims to inspire.

“We hope that by showing our ages, we can inspire other young people,” said Stephen. “We want to show that you don’t have to wait to start making a difference. Anyone, regardless of age, can take action and create meaningful change.”

Michael echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of youth representation. “When younger people see peers organizing impactful events like TEDx, they feel empowered to do the same. Our age isn’t a limitation—it’s an asset.”

Join the Movement

With preparations well underway for the August 24 event, the Zhang brothers invite the community to engage actively—whether by attending, volunteering, or supporting the event’s mission. With their track record of success, there’s good reason to believe this TEDxCherryCreekHS event will leave lasting impressions once again.

As Michael concluded, “We’ve seen the power these ideas have. Now, we just want to share it with as many people as possible.”

For more information or to learn how to get involved, visit the TEDxCherryCreekHS official website.

Published by: Liz SD.