To bring together the community to focus on positive messages on identity, the Self-Directed Learning (SDL) English class is producing a public speaking event on Apr. 3 from 6-9 p.m. in the Little Theatre.

SDL is about real life application and extending classroom learning to all real world learning. The SDLuminary event captures so many skills that go beyond the classroom.

The name Luminary connects their project with the OSU TEDx Luminary event that inspired them. The OSU event was a group of college students who introduced doctors, professors and other speakers who were specialized in a certain field.

“When I was planning this class at the end of last year, students wanted to do more speaking in their English class, so I wanted to extend it,” Smith said. “As this year went on and I saw how many strengths we had, and she wanted to take it out of the classroom and bring it to life.”

Five student will speak at the event:

• Senior Spencer Beckett will speak about different cliques in school.
• Senior Zoe Gravitt will speak about nutrition and how it affects the mind and body of female athlete.
• Senior Cheyenne Lescas will be talking about religion and personal philosophy of life.
• Junior James Robinson is speaking about how maps can change with cultural identity.
• Junior Lani Casto will be talking about the affects of labels and how they do not define people.

Senior Elliott

Rhoton will be the emcee, which is a master of the ceremonies, of the event.

“I think that SDLuminary provides a unique opportunity to talk about something important and personal in a safe and welcoming environment,” junior Lani Casto said. “This class is full of some very smart and unique individuals and I’m thrilled to get to learn more about them, both through working with them on bringing the event to fruition and hearing their voices.”

This event, which will take place on April 3, 2024,  is free and open to the public, but people will need to reserve a seat.