District Working Behind the Scenes to Ready for TEDx Event

On Friday, Nov. 7, the spotlight will be firmly fixed on Eastchester schools when the EUFSD hosts its first-ever TEDx event in the high school auditorium. Over the course of three hours, experts, educators and students alike will take the stage to deliver talks about Service, Community and Connection, affirming Eastchester’s position as a hub for innovation and dialogue. 

But while the 14 presenters might be the “stars” of Eastchester’s big day, the work being done behind the scenes speaks to the district’s ability to call upon a great wealth of expertise and knowledge to ensure such an endeavor goes off without a hitch. 

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Assessment, and Student Success Dr. William Meyer said that hosting a TEDx talk is no small undertaking for a school district, citing the rigorous standards the TED organization places on groups that run events under its banner. 

“The TEDx process is very structured, which is what contributes to such a great product, but it definitely felt overwhelming at first; Every detail, from the speaker curation and the branding, to the way we handle filming, staging, and audience engagement, has to align with TED’s standards.” said Meyer. “I remember, early on, thinking, ‘How are we going to pull this off?’ But we just took one step at a time, and over the months we got there.”

Meyer acknowledged that although there was plenty to do to ready the district for the event, the job was made much easier by a number of individuals who offered their unique talents in getting TEDx Eastchester off the ground. From EHS art teacher Patrick Perry—who constructed a stage-ready TEDx Eastchester sign—to Eagles Television Studio Director Joe Blute and Auditorium Manager Nick Sochan, who worked to ensure that the stage and videography components aligned with other TEDx events, there was no shortage of Eastchester staff members willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work. 

“I can't believe the incredible talent we have within the district and the variety of expertise,” said Meyer. “Patrick brought the artistic expertise that ensured an incredible sign. Joe and Nick have been amazing on the tech and performance side. There have been countless other people who made this possible and we are so appreciative."

Perry said he was happy to lend his talents to create the TEDx signage, using cardboard, paint, foam and construction spackle to build a stunning 3D version of the TEDx Eastchester logo that will share the stage with the roster of speakers. The project took 52 hours to complete, he said, noting that the work allowed him to use many of the principles he teaches in his 3D Design course, something he hopes will resonate with his students. 

“The process began with a visual reference search of previous TED and TEDx events. I wanted to study how others approached their signage—paying close attention to scale, proportion, and overall design. While TEDx provides clear logo specifications, there’s still room for creative interpretation, which I appreciated,” he said. “Having just moved into a new studio space, it became a kind of christening—an opportunity to settle in creatively. In a world dominated by machines and mass production, there’s something deeply rewarding about crafting something by hand, where the finished piece retains subtle traces of its maker.

“I’ve found that students respond differently when they can see their teachers actively creating,” he added. “It reinforces that what we teach is something we truly live.”

Sochan and Blute, on the other hand, focused on securing the proper camera equipment required to film a TEDx talk and working with Meyer to ensure that the production values of the event will adhere to the highest professional standards. 

Blute explained that the camera updates will be apparent to audience members, highlighting the unique nature of the event. 

 “It’s certainly a different ballgame from a filming standpoint,” said Blute. “But at the same time, working under certain guidelines helps to steer what this is supposed to look like.”

“We already had cameras that had 4K capability, however, the video switcher needed to be upgraded because it only passed 1080p before,” said Sochan. “Now we are working with full 4K capabilities, which is going to make everything clearer for our audience at home, both for TEDx and for future productions, including Board of Education meetings and other live-streamed events.”

Meyer said he is looking forward to next week’s TEDx Eastchester event and that the contributions of the student/staff speakers, Perry, Sochan, Blute and a host of others highlight the “can do” attitude of the EUFSD and the Eastchester community in general. 

“It’s one of the greatest strengths of this district, the depth of talent and the willingness to share it. TEDx is a perfect example of how education today is about more than classrooms and curriculum; it’s about community and creativity,” said Meyer. “When people bring their passions, whether it’s technology, storytelling, design, or event planning, and use them toward something collective, it elevates everyone.

“Elevate Eastchester” isn’t just a slogan,” he added. “It’s a reflection of how collaboration can transform an idea into an experience that inspires students and staff alike.”