The 18th Disney Dreamers Academy continues its #Be100 legacy in inspiring our next generation to dream big. The annual mentorship event kicked off on Thursday at the Walt Disney World Resort with an upbeat welcome ceremony.
Drum major Mickey set the rhythmic tone with his HBCU band. Members of the Divine 9 exposed the students to the culture Black Greek organizations with a step show and dance performance, as part of Disney’s On The Yard.
Walt Disney World ambassador Shannon Smith-Conrad, Disney Dreamers alum, Princeton Parker and others poured words of wisdom and encouragement into the class.
“It’s the process of self-actualizing, the process of leaning into who you have been, who you are and being 100 percent of that service, of who you will be,” Parker tells the students. “To create a story to not just impact you but the entire world around you.”
One hundred high school students from across the country were picked from thousands to participate in the program. The selected students enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Walt Disney World with their parents and guardians.
Later that day, they participated in the Disney Dreamers parade down Main Street at Walt Disney World with a few iconic characters including Princess Tiana, Goofy, Donald Duck and of course Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
Abbott Elementary star Tyler James Williams is this year’s “DREAMbassador’ and shared his excitement to mentor and empower.
“The world likes to assume that young people don’t know themselves as well as they think they do,” the Everybody Hates Chris star shares. “So when you know who you are, what you love, what kind of person you want to be in this world, you might feel like you have to convince people that you mean it and the greatest way to do that is to keep showing up.”
Sivonne Davis, vice president of Commercial Strategy for Walt Disney World Resorts, encouraged teens to seize their moment this weekend.
“You had the courage to share your big dream,” says Davis, later adding, “You are walking here in your purpose.”
Each year Dreamers are surprised and inspired by celebrity mentors and guests. This year’s list includes comedian and talk show host Rickey Smiley, David and Tamala Mann, High School musical star Adrian Lyles and motivational speaker Lisa Nichols. Hidden figures such as Dr. Sian Proctor; the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft and aerospace engineer and CEO of STEMBoard, Aisha Bowe are also attending the academy this year.
The Disney Dreamers Academy was started in 2008. It takes place March 26-30 at Walt Disney World Resort.
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