Virtual Catalog

SouthTalks 2018:

Understanding Islam and Muslims

By: Maysa Albarcha

Basic beliefs and practices of Muslims, common misconceptions, and understanding the roots of extremism.

Available Sessions: A, B, C, D, and E.

Autism Mythbusters

By: Siobhan Neely

What do you know about autism? What do you want to know about autism? Come to this session to learn about autism and common myths about it. Join an autistic student and a certified autism expert as they answer your questions and bust some myths!

Available Sessions: B (9:40-10:25), C (10:50-11:35), and E (1:30-2:15).

Deafness & Deaf Education: Teaching Listening and Spoken Language

Ellie White, Ms, MAEd, CED & Jenna Voss, PhD, CED, LSLS Cert. AVEd

Ellie White and Jenna Voss are passionate about the field of deaf education; particularly, the aspect of deaf education focusing on the development of listening and spoken language skills in babies and young children who are deaf and hard of hearing. With over 40 years of combined experience in the field, Ellie and Jenna have taught young children to listen and talk, provided family-based early intervention, taught university courses related to deaf education and language, co-authored a book called Small Talk, published a number of articles and assessment tools, served on various committees, and engrossed many unsuspecting cocktail partygoers with their nerdy talk about all things language. Join them for an overview on topics including hearing loss, how babies learn to talk, family-focused intervention, educational programs for children learning to listen and talk, and becoming a professional in listening and spoken language.

Available Sessions: Session B (9:40-10:25)

Prom Night in Mississippi

Patrick Conley

This session will include an edited version of the award winning documentary, Prom Night in Mississippi, as well as discussion about the background and social conditions of segregation in a small, rural Mississippi town that was the hometown of the renowned African-American actor Morgan Freeman. While some of the issues differ from ones at Parkway South, the documentary forces audiences from all backgrounds to re-examine their attitudes about race.

“In 1970, the town of Charleston, Mississippi, allowed black students into their white high school, but refused to integrate the senior prom. Twenty-seven years later Charleston resident and Academy Award winning actor Morgan Freeman offered to finance the prom—under the condition it be integrated. His offer was ignored. In 2008, Freeman made the offer again. This time the school board accepted, and history was made” (from the summary on the DVD).

The documentary employs extended interviews with students, parents, and educators and Morgan Freeman as it probes into why the segregation persisted and why it ended. “Ultimately, PROM NIGHT IN MISSISSIPPI captures a big moment in a small town, where hope finally blossoms in black, white, and a whole lot of taffeta” (from the summary on the DVD).

Available Sessions: A (7:50-8:30)

The Power of Disruptive Thinking

Drew Rogers

We live within an entrepreneurial generation. Almost 50% of young people have an interest in starting their own business one day.

In most cases, the individuals we look up to: the innovators, movie stars, musicians, designers, athletes, and overall entrepreneurs continually ask themselves one question:

“Why?”

This session will seek to provide a framework for disruptive thinking for any student interested in having an impact in their community. I will share a bit of my story, what I’ve learned, and how I continue to ask myself “why” everyday.

Available Sessions: C (10:50-11:35), D (12:00-12:45), E (1:30-2:15)

https://therelevantyouth.com/our-impact

Globetrotter? How World Travel Can Change Your Life, World, and Perspective!

Amy Belding

What is Global Competency?

Cultivating the mindset that individuals can: make a difference, possess the desire to take initiative, acquire the ability to act in leadership roles, and achieve an understanding of responsibility...WOAH! Learn how traveling as a student

is one of the best ways to experience this world and build skills for the future. This session will give the WHY of travel...and HOW you can find a trip that is perfect for you!

Available Sessions: B (9:40-10:25), C (10:50-11:35), D (12:00-12:45), E (1:30-2:15)

Myers-Briggs: Personality Typing for Careers:

Parkway South Boys and Girls swim coach, Sara Gerth.

Tap into your inner strengths and weaknesses through the Myers and Briggs personality questionnaire. After taking the questionnaire you can find out potential careers that best suit you! Find out more about your unique self in the Myers-Briggs personality test!

Presented by: Parkway South Boys and Girls swim coach, Sara Gerth.

Available Sessions: Session B: 9:40 to 10:25, Session E: 1:30 to 2:15

Allies for Inclusion: The Ability Exhibit:

Saint Louis University School of Education Teachers, Dr.Karen Myers & Mrs.Diane Richter

Understanding is the first part to equality. The Ability Exhibit strives to promote understanding through the inclusion of people with disabilities through respect for others, comfort during interactions, and awareness of disability issues. The Ability Exhibit provides interactive stations designed to build awareness about people with disabilities and the disability movement.

Available Sessions: Session B: 9:40 to 10:25, Session C: 10:50 to 11:35, Session D: 12:00 to 12:45, The Ability Exhibit will be available for viewing after Session A. We are able to provide an introduction and background on the Ability Exhibit for Sessions B, C, & D.

Pick the City UP by The Saint Louis Story Stitchers

Susan Colangelo

Pick the City UP is a multi-year signature project presenting live performances throughout St. Louis. Raw, authentic locally relevant messages on the Black urban experience including self-worth, gun safety, strategic thinking, and youth roles and rights in society are shared through the arts. Experience an unforgettable and powerful performance of Pick the City UP by the Saint Louis Story Stitchers and learn how you can help make a difference!

Available Sessions: Session D: 12:00 to 12:45

Intersectionality & Leadership:

Alden Craddock and Fatemeh Akbari

In this workshop students will participate in an interactive presentation on intersectionality. Students will develop an understanding of intersectionality and what it means to have different identities. Students will explore and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of varying identities. Finally, students will examine intersectionality in leadership and how it can be used to increase effectiveness among student organizations.

Available Sessions: Session E: 1:30 to 2:15

The Bully Plays:

Actor's Studio 1 class

Actor's Studio 1 will be presenting the following collection of 3 short One Acts:
1) Mindless, Drooling, Teenage Zombie Bullies by Brian Guehring - A play about homophobia and bullying set in the genre of a B-movie.
2) Gasp, Farrah & Monster by Jose Cruz Gonzalez - Each person has a separate reality. We see 3 people's view points of growing up.
3) Happy Birthday, Heather Higby (I Am Plotting Your Doom) - Do rumors always need to be negative?

Available Sessions: Session A: 7:50 to 8:35, Session B: 9:40 to 10:25, Session E: 1:30 to 2:15

Living in a World of Privilege

Amina Abdi, Jada Aleem, Trinity Carr, Gwen Garger, Nora Lackey, Abby Mueller, Devin Patrick, Sydny Welcher, Kaleb Winkel, Tiona Woods, Jewel Zingrich, Megan Cunningham

Many people with certain privileges never notice them, because they are so woven into the mainstream that those who have them cannot see them. Understanding and acknowledging privileges is key to understanding why and how we react and perceive their surroundings. The capacity for youth to objectively reflect on their interactions with the world is invaluable. The focus on intersectionality in this practice will allow practitioners and students alike to understand that having one privilege does not make up for another marginalization and that every privilege or marginalization exists on a different but intersecting plane from another.

Available Sessions: Session A: 7:50 to 8:35, Session C: 10:50 to 11:35, Session D: 12:00 to 12:45

Making the World a Better and Safer Place

Callie Marie Rennison, PhD

The goal of this session is to provide information about risk of violent victimization. Characteristics associated with risk of victimization are described, as well as a focus on college student victimization. With this important knowledge, students can better reduce risk for themselves and others, whether in general or later while a student at a university. This knowledge can assist students in making the world a better place.

Available Sessions: Session B: 9:40 to 10:25, Session C: 10:50 to 11:35, Session D: 12:00 to 12:45, Session E: 1:30 to 2:15

Aging and Hearing Loss

Mitchell Sommers

The main goal of this session will be to introduce students to how our hearing changes throughout our life time and to present studies that demonstrate factors that can affect the amount of hearing loss one suffers. We will discuss several ways of treating hearing loss and some of the implications of having untreated hearing loss.

Available Sessions: Session C: 10:50 to 11:35, Session D: 12:00 to 12:45, Session E: 1:30 to 2:15

HateBrakers: Interrupting the cycle of hate-breeds-hate

Susan Balk, Arlen Chaleff, Destiny Whitney

HateBrakers provides close-up conversations with people who have caused, witnessed or endured acts of hate from bullying to genocide–and have gone on to become heroes, healers and leaders. By initiating conversation through short videos of those that found themselves in any part of the hate cycle, we explore the issues and themes, and recognize the choices possible to make, and become HateBrakers, and empowered leaders.

Available Sessions: Session E: 1:30 to 2:15

http://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/building-bridges/is-it-possible-to-break-the-hate-this-group-is-trying/63-464924007

Lessons I've Learned from Eight Years of Dying / Living Heart Healthy After Graduation / Transplant 101

Jenna Bell

8yrs: Jenna was diagnosed with congestive heart failure at the age of 23 with no family history and minimal symptoms. By listening to her own body she saved her life. Unfortunately, she spent the next eight years dying. A story of survival. Heart Healthy: You're done with High School but now what? Learn how to avoid the freshman 15 and be good to your heart. Transplant 101: The organ transplant system isn't what Grey's Anatomy makes it out to be. Learn about organ donation and transplantation from someone who has lived it.

Available Sessions: Session A: 7:50 to 8:35, Session B: 9:40 to 10:25, Session C: 10:50 to 11:35

Unhealthy Perfectionism

Marianna Justice and Donna Nokes

The age of perfectionism. Have we gone too far? In this session we will examine the signs of unhealthy perfectionism and strategies to overcome it. If you are a person that finds it difficult to meet deadlines or finish a task because your standards are set too high, this session might be for you!

Available Sessions: Session A: 7:50 to 8:35, Session B: 9:40 to 10:25

Judge Me, Do You?

Jason Tiearney

The words of Jedi Master Yoda sum up so much of the way we interact with people we have never met. Through some role playing and examination of cultural interactions throughout history, and maybe even Star Wars, we will look at how first impressions and snap judgments can affect the way we view and interact with new people. By the end of the session, you should come away reflecting on ways that you can change how you approach people different from yourself.

Available: Session B: 9:40 to 10:25, Session D: 12:00 to 12:45

Let’s Talk about Race

Heather Flemming

Do you know that you need to talk about tough stuff, but don't quite know how to address it? What do you say when people disagree with your position? How do you figure out who you should have the conversations with? In this session, students and staff will be provided with tips for having difficult conversations about the "-isms," particularly race.

Available Sessions: Session A: 7:50 to 8:35

Why We Marched

Heather Fleming

This year's Women's March for Truth was organized by a group of 12 women who were determined to make this happen despite obstacles. In this session, Heather Fleming will explain the significance of the march, as well as the lessons learned from it. She will also answer questions about her personal reasons for marching.

AVAILABLE: Session C

Examining Racism

Heather Fleming

What is racism? We often think of the blatant examples of racism, but what about the subtle microaggressions that people experience everyday? In this session, we will look at many of the ways that racism presents itself.

AVAILABLE: Session B and E

Introduction to Hinduism (It Isn't What You Think)

Jack Sisk

Hinduism is the third largest religion and perhaps the oldest, and yet most Americans have little familiarity with it and generally have significant misconceptions. This session will explain the beliefs and practices of Hinduism, and do so in part by presenting the speaker's experiences which have brought him to the faith and shaped his beliefs. The speaker is a rarity in that he was raised a Christian and became a Hindu at the age of 14 because of one such experience. He is the only non-Indian who has a role in the operations of The Hindu Temple of St. Louis, he represents Hinduism on the Board of the Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis, and he frequently gives talks about the faith.

Session A: 7:50 to 8:35

Poetry and Protest

Heather Fleming

Over time, countless poets have used their art to protest injustice in society. Who are these the poets, and what type of works did they present? We will examine the poetry of protest and then challenge ourselves to write poetry about issues important to us.

AVAILABLE: Session D

Ask Me Anything

Steff Guzman

Students with specific, traditionally underrepresented identities that many other students have misconceptions or questions about will be on a panel. The students in this session will write down questions (filtered by Ms.Guzman) for the members of the panel. The questions will all be addressed by the panel out loud, with possible discussion. :)

Session: D and E

Words Change Worlds Hypnosis Demo

Keith Hadrill

In this character education program, Keith teaches that although "sticks and stones may break my bones", words leave everlasting scars. Using stories from his hypnotherapy practice, Keith tells about adults who come to see him in their 30's, their 40's, even their 60's, to heal from the effects of abuse they suffered at the hands of bullying students, teachers, siblings and parents while they were kids. Keith teaches teens that in every case, the physical bullying was hard, but the verbal bullying is almost always the source of the deepest emotional pain. He also teaches that "you may not realize when you are bullying someone." He gives examples of how to recognize when "I'm only joking" is really doing some damage - especially when they inadvertently step on emotional triggers. Finally, Keith teaches bystanders how they can recognize bullying behaviors and safely become someone's hero.

Available: Session B: 9:40 to 10:25, Session C: 10:50 to 11:35, Session D: 12:00 to 12:45, Session E: 1:30 to 2:15

#SpreadingSunshine

Sophie Reiss

When I was 15 I began my pageant journey with a goal to impact as many people as I possibly could with the power of kindness. In this session I will discuss how I created my platform #spreadingsunshine, my pageant journey, and how I live out my platform in my everyday life.

Available: Session A: 7:50 to 8:35, Session B: 9:40 to 10:25, Session C: 10:50 to 11:35

Y U Gotta H8?!?

Keith Haddrill

When people disrespect us, it has much more to do with their own pains and fears than it has to do with us. When we understand the baggage others carry around, we can better understand where their negative words and deeds are coming from. This understanding gives us a position of strength and a feeling of control over how we respond to the hate, disrespect, or negativity of others.

Available: Session B: 9:40 to 10:25, Session C: 10:50 to 11:35, Session D: 12:00 to 12:45, Session E: 1:30 to 2:15

Life of the Party in Spark! Bioscience

Miranda Tze

In this session, I will be briefly summarizing my experience in the Spark! bioscience program. Through the use of a brief experiment, presentation, and questionnaire, I hope to redefine and strengthen your understanding of Parkway's Spark!.

Available: Session A: 7:50 to 8:35, Session E: 1:30 to 2:15

Why The Last Jedi Tweeted He Hated Us

Jeremy Nichols

I will be exploring why people fight over trivial matters, group mentality, and how anonymity influences people's willingness to post critical comments about others on social media. The presentation will include a discussion about reviews regarding "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," a look at "Mean Tweets," and a psychological explanation on how these are related to the "Us vs. Them" Mentality.

Available: Session A: 7:50 to 8:35, Session B: 9:40 to 10:25, Session E: 1:30 to 2:15

Yoga for Peace on and off the Mat

Mrs. Michelle Dempsey

Do you want to learn techniques to bring peace to your hectic life? Come practice yoga with us! This will be an active session, so dress comfortably. No previous yoga experience necessary. Mats will be provided.

Available: Session A: 7:50 to 8:35, Session B: 9:40 to 10:25

Be the Light Project

Kennedy Brown

This session will be led by graduates from Parkway South High School who started a non-profit for suicide awareness after personal struggles and life-changing events. Focusing on education and awareness about mental illness and suicide prevention, students will ultimately realize that they are never alone.

BiCulturalism in America

Ankita Tiwari

The session will provide insight about how being a part of a different culture has impacted and/or not impacted our childhood experiences growing up in America. It will highlight the challenges, rewards, and misconceptions that many people have about biculturalism. However, we really want people to leave knowing that just because we are part of another culture doesn't mean that we are any less American.

Dream Chasers

Julian ‘LOGIK’ Gilliam

I'll generate dialogue with the students about future aspirations and how to turn their dreams into reality. It'll be a motivational and uplifting session for them to become whoever they want to be regardless their perspective on the status quo of successful.

Dreams and Detours

Shaun Derik

On our personal journeys, we come across many paths. Some of these paths lead to a dead-end road and some lead to viable opportunities. But how can one tell the difference? Through music and dance, Shaun teaches young people how to not only ask the right questions but to ask the right people when it comes to their future. Through this interactive keynote, audience members will leave feeling challenged to: Use their own experiences to help navigate the roads of adolescence, create a personal roadmap that falls in line with their goals, implement and maintain positive habits to keep them on track. Topics covered: healthy choices, peer influence, goal setting and execution.

Easy Plant-based Meals with STLVegGirl

Caryn Dugan

Website

From pork chops to plants: Caryn Dugan of STLVegGirl will share her inspirational story, loads of interesting plant-based nutrition facts and perform a cooking demo using recipes that are easy, tasty and perfect to pack for your school lunch.

Experiencing Invisible Disabilities

Dr. John Bruno

This session will allow participants the chance to experience what the world might be like for people with a learning disability, Dyslexia, an Intellectual Disability or Autism.

From Prison Cells to PHD

Dr. Stanley Andrisse

Supporting College After Incarceration: Dr. Stanley Andrisse is the Executive Director of From Prison Cells to PhD, Inc. He is a formerly incarcerated person with three felony convictions, sentenced to ten years in prison, classified as a prior and persistent career criminal, and was once told by a prosecuting attorney that he had NO hope for change. He is now an endocrinologist scientist and professor at Johns Hopkins Medicine and Howard University College of Medicine. Furthering one's education is critical to successful reentry into society.

Roughly 75% of the national prison population are people of color. The issue of promoting college after incarceration is inherently a race and civil rights issue. Black people are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system. From Prison Cells to PhD seeks to eliminate barriers to higher education for formerly incarcerated people via programming to support obtaining college education and via promoting awareness around the importance of college after incarceration. The session will be storytelling mixed with interactive engaging activities.

Healthy Dating

Carolyn Compton

Outreach Advocate at ALIVE-Alternatives to Living In Violent Environments

We will explore healthy, unhealthy, and abusive aspects of dating relationships.

Honor Flight for our Veterans

Carrie Steele and Honor Flight Veterans

Honor Flight volunteers will be there along with a couple veterans. We will present the check to them and veterans will speak about their experience. Students will have a chance to ask questions and meet the speakers.

Website - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9ZKsLqAodk

How Smart Can a Computer Be?

Ian Cunningham

We'll be taking a deep dive into the current trends surrounding Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning, while looking at many modern, cutting-edge examples of Machine Intelligence. Prepare to never look at a computer the same way again.

LGBTQ Mythbusting

Dan Pearson

This lesson provides an opportunity for youth to ask basic questions and to create a common language for understanding the diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) identities and learning about LGBTQ people. Students will be able to examine underlying and preconcceived notions about LGBTQ communities and understand the basic difference between sexual orientation, biological sex and gender identity.

LINKing PSH Together to Be the Change

Monica Dickens, Anne Erehart, and Rob Lappin, South High Teachers and Counselor, LINK CREW

Do you want to make South High a better place? Do you know YOU can BE THE CHANGE? Get REAL and come join this AWESOME experience that can make a HUGE impact on you, your friends and SOUTH HIGH!

Living In A Multicultural World- A Panel Discussion

Jill Simpson, AFS Volunteer - Missouri Gateway and AFS Students

The world of today is increasingly globalized. We have more opportunities to interact with other cultures and ethnicities in our daily lives than ever before. This is happening virtually through the internet, but also in real time as many communities are becoming more multicultural and multiethnic. In this session, a panel of international students and a moderator with international experience will talk about the benefits and disadvantages of living in a multicultural society and will share their personal experiences navigating multiculturalism. They will also discuss the skills needed to maximize personal growth in an increasingly diverse world, and how learning the ins and outs of multicultural communication can help them in their future lives and careers.

Navy Opportunities!

Omar Morales, Navy Representative

Come see what the Navy has to offer you from opportunities, benefits, careers and education. Mr. Morales began serving the Navy right out of high school for six years. He currently is the Parkway area Navy representative.

The Power of One Ceremony!

Sita Timmons and SouthTalks Student Committee

Honor current students who have demonstrated their power of ONE! This session will celebrate the achievements of some of South High’s everyday heroes in our community. Enjoy live performances and artwork from The Public, C Wallace, Chris Twombly, Bella Voce, Mckensie Donaldson!

Power of Organ and Tissue Donation

Kim Kosednar, Mid-America Transplant

"The Power of Organ/Tissue Donation" will go over the organ/tissue donation process and how it impacts the lives of so many people in our country, describe who Mid-America Transplant is and encourage students to discuss their wishes with their family.

The Science of Aging and Hearing Loss

Mitchell Sommers, Washington University Professor of Psychological & Brain Sciences

Sexual Assault Awareness

Dan Pearson, Safe Connections

This workshop discusses myths and facts related to the issue of sexual assault. Teens will discuss what consent does and does entail and how to establish affirmative consent through healthy communication, a key component of all relationships.

St. Louis Inter-Faith Committee on Latin America

Sara John, Executive Director, St. Louis Inter-Faith Committee on Latin America (IFCLA)

Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis is a collaborative organization open to people of all religions in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Our goal is to deepen understanding, respect and appreciation among all persons across lines of religious difference. As communities of faith, we agree to differ, promise to love, and unite to serve.

Website - http://www.interfaithstl.org/

Taking the Patriot Pulse

Dr. Patrice Aitch, South High Head Administrator and Parkway Leadership

We want to hear from you! Speak directly with our Parkway leadership about the steps that Parkway has taken for school safety and give your input on how else we can make you feel safe at school.

Teen Dating Violence

Dan Pearson, Safe Connections

This lesson defines and distinguishe

-s the differences between unhealthy and abusive relationships. Teens will examine the different forms of abuse, review the warning signs of someone who is potentially abusive and discuss safety planning.

Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youth

Dan Pearson, Safe Connections

In this workshop, youth are provided with a foundation to understand transgender and gender nonconforming identities. Participants will be encouraged to think about how traditional gender roles, cultural expectations and individual expressions affect them and others. Youth will learn how transphobia negatively impacts not only TGNC individuals, but all youth. Students will also identify concrete action steps they can take to be direct allies to TGNC people.

Understanding Islam and Muslims

Maysa Albarcha, Educational Outreach for Dar-ul Islam, Islamic Speaker Bureau

Come to this session to gain a deeper understanding of basic beliefs and practices of Muslims. We will deconstruct common misconceptions and understanding the roots of extremism.

Understanding and Regulating Your Emotions

Brianne Serdar, MSW, LCSW, Leader of Clinical Programs, Saint Louis Center for Family Development

Emotions are a part of us all and so mysterious. What do we feel, what makes us feel this way, and why can't I stop feeling emotions when I want to? Understanding the origins of emotion and how they affect us all differently is a gateway to regulating them when you need to. Through various skills, including mindful awareness and validation, you can increase your capacity to work through your intense emotion experiences and increase your capacity for joy.

Website - https://stlcfd.com/team/brianne-serdar-msw-lcsw/

Women’s Self Defense

Officer James Logan and Officer Nik Sampson

Teach students tactical awareness, common points of danger and how to defend against them.

This is an active class, students should wear athletic clothing.

Sexuali-tea

Drs Prunty and Jacobs

The presenters use the metaphor of ‘serving tea’ (one of us ‘serves tea’ to the other) as a way to discuss consent

(especially sexual consent) in relationships. For example, one individual ‘agrees to tea’ at the outset but then changes her mind

mid-way through ‘having tea’ and the other person ‘insists’ that she “drink up”.

How You Will Never look at a Cup of Tea (or Sex!) the Same Way Again!