Georgians Shine in 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy Class
The prestigious Disney Dreamers Academy Class of 2024 had eight students from Georgia, out of a hundred selected nationwide to participate in a transformative four-day journey at Disney World, Florida. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity aims to inspire and empower young individuals throughout the United States, nurturing their dreams and providing them mentorship in their chosen career fields.
Prelude: Arrivals and Warm Welcome
The kick-off event of the Disney Dreamers Academy, held at the Disney Contemporary Resort, had a stunning parade led by Mickey Mouse along with a brass band and a distinctive trio of drum majors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The grand entrance of the 100 chosen Dreamers was a spectacle that set a vibrant tone for the enriching days to come.
Among the selected Dreamers were three students from Metro Atlanta: Cameryn Polk, a senior at Elite Scholars Academy in Clayton County; Hannah Dennis, a freshman at Elite Scholars Academy; and Hollis Amir Law Mason, a junior soccer player and honors student at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta. The other Georgians part of the academy class included Bengina Amponsah, Lillian Farrar, Riley Kennard, Bianca Orfila-Molinet, and Ellis Schroeder.
Day 1: Dream Big
The Dreamers were cheered on and greeted by Tracey Powell, Senior Vice President of Consumer Insights, Measurements, and Analytics of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts along with Disney Dreamers Executive Champion. Powell’s address highlighted the significance of self-belief and grit that led to their selection among thousands of applicants. Her words fueled the Dreamers with an optimistic sense of purpose and acknowledgement.
Day 2: Living Your Dream
Participating Dreamers encountered a series of interactive workshops termed Living Laboratories, designed to foster industry-specific insights and hands-on learning. In parallel with the information-packed workshops, the Dreamers also had the chance to engage with prominent figures in their chosen career fields, encompassing expertise from Disney Imagineering and Journalism to Aerospace Engineering and Film Industry. An unforgettable part of this educative soiree was the Journalism Lab, mentored by the acclaimed author, Tony Weaver Jr.
Weaver provided an in-depth understanding of the literary world, offering the Dreamers practical advice on writing reach, market identification, publishing routes, and the imperative of being authentically themselves throughout the journey.
Day 3: Make Yourself Known
Day three witnessed an enthusiastic collision of exchange between Dreamers spanning varying academic standards but unified by the Disney Dreamers Academy’s multifaceted exploration. Bengina Amponsah, an aspiring astronaut, and Hannah Dennis, a future commercial airline pilot, shared their awe-inspiring encounters which ranged from meeting legendary Disney Imagineer Lanny Smoot to conversations with Delta Air Lines pilots. Hollis Mason, an avid soccer player and school newspaper reporter, highlighted the essence of camaraderie he shared with fellow Dreamers.
Day 4: Commencement Ceremony
The concluding day of Disney Dreamers Academy was marked by an uplifting commencement ceremony where the Class of 2024 received precious class rings symbolizing perseverance and accomplishment. An exceptional member, David Lopez, was crowned as the Dreamer of the Year and awarded with a trip for four to Disney World Resorts by Delta Air Lines. The commencement was further graced by motivational addresses from Samara Cyn, a recording artist, and Daymond John, a world-renowned entrepreneur and ‘Shark Tank’ star.
The 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy concluded on a high note, invigorating the lives of a hundred promising individuals who embarked on an immersive journey of self-discovery, mentorship, and boundless inspiration. Though the four-day academy concluded, the dreams ignited continue to shine towards a vibrant future.
