Culver Talks: From Script to Stage
Bodie Jenkins ('27) delivers his Culver Talk in the Robert Frost Auditorium.
Did you know that ChatGPT users use significantly fewer brain waves compared to users of other search engines? Or that roughly 1% of people globally are diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome? These were just two of the many facts stated by the four student speakers at Culver Talks this year at CP Flex on January 28th. Culver Talks, run by ASB member Gianna Binder, is a yearly showcase for students to share their knowledge on a subject matter others may not know about. This year’s event featured four hardworking Culver City High School students: Kyra Doss, Myla Wu, Bodie Jenkins, and myself, Anyla Elmore. We spent numerous hours script planning and practicing full rehearsals in the Robert Frost Auditorium. Gianna Binder spent countless hours planning these rehearsals. “I chose to direct Culver Talks because it’s a really great way for people to express their passions, and the audience can learn from someone else’s perspective that they may not know about,” said Binder.
Myla Wu, a senior and fourth-time Culver Talks speaker, centered her topic around tics, a neurological disorder, and why they occur. She led this open discussion with widespread theories on its cause, as the inner workings of action potential are highlighted. She created entertaining dialogue between Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift playing telephone to exemplify this connection. Myla takes pride in her research, saying, “I strive to spread awareness for others with Tourette Syndrome and neurological conditions through accessible scientific information that anyone can understand. I believe a lot of ableism is rooted in a lack of familiarity and understanding, and with relatable, funny scientific talks, empathy for myself and other disabled students is built.” This subject idea originated when a friend of Myla’s wondered why her tics did not occur when performing on stage. Kyra Doss, a first-year speaker, discussed the harmful effects of AI. She explained how, in a social experiment, ChatGPT users used fewer brain waves compared to a group who used Google as a search engine. After presenting, Kyra spoke on the purpose of her topic, saying that, “I chose to do this because I was already writing an article about AI, and I’ve always been super passionate about school. I love learning, and I’ve always wanted to inform other people about the dangers of AI and how our lives are influenced by it.”
I was also a first-year speaker, and I delivered a suspenseful presentation about the real pyramid order on the reality show Dance Moms, which stars the infamous head coach Abby Lee Miller. Her controversy emerged from rumored favoritism of a talented and featured Abby Lee Dance Company student, Maddie Ziegler. Chloe Lusiak, another former student, was often described as “overlooked” by viewers and even cast members. I later revealed that Chloe should have been favored over Maddie Ziegler, reasoning that Chloe’s technique was “incomparably better compared to Maddie’s.” I felt this topic was a needed discussion, considering Abby Lee’s noticeable favoritism toward Maddie in the show. Lastly, Bodie Jenkins shared his thesis on the concept of time. Bodie discussed how this new idea changed his mindset “regarding responsibilities and phone usage”. He shared a deeper message about spending time wisely by studying rather than spending hours on a phone. This powerful message was conveyed by surfacing the topic of how people often rack up numerous hours of screentime after promising themselves to only quickly check their social media.
How do I get involved?
If you are interested in becoming a participant next year, let's talk about the process, from sending your application to presenting your ideas! Auditions for this process were mandatory, though as simple as presenting your script introduction to an involved ASB member. The following week is your time to focus on creating your full script and presentation. The length of your presentation can range anywhere from a short speech to a lengthy, ten-minute discussion. The few days directly before Culver Talks mainly consist of full rehearsals and receiving advice to captivate your audience. If you are interested in sharing your voice next year, check the CCHS weekly Gmail updates and follow the student-run ASB Instagram account for related updates: @culvercityhighschoolasb
“It’s a great way to get the word out and reflect my ideas onto others.” - Bodie Jenkins.