Discover the Inspiring Stories of Disney Dreamers Academy 2016 Winners: Empowering Young Minds to Achieve Their Dreams!

Do you know what it takes to be a Disney Dreamer? It’s not just about dreams, it’s about making them a reality. Disney Dreamers Academy is a program that aims to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders. And this year’s winners are nothing short of incredible.

Out of thousands of applicants, only 100 high school students were chosen to attend the exclusive event at Walt Disney World resort in Florida. These students were handpicked based on their achievements and desire to succeed.

The program offers a four-day immersive experience where the winners get to attend workshops, listen to motivational speakers and mentorship from Disney executives. The goal is to help them develop their skills and give them a glimpse into possible career paths.

The Disney Dreamers Academy 2016 winners come from all over the United States and Canada. They have diverse backgrounds and experiences that have shaped who they are today. Their individual stories are both inspiring and motivating.

Take, for example, Kheris Rogers, a 14-year-old African American girl who was bullied for her dark skin tone. Instead of succumbing to the negativity, she channeled her experiences into starting her own clothing line, Flexin’ In My Complexion. Her message is simple: love the skin you’re in.

Then there’s Alexus Miller-Wigfall, a 19-year-old journalism student who believes in the power of her voice. She’s used her platform to shine a light on the racial tensions in Ferguson, Missouri, and highlight the arts in her community.

What these young individuals have accomplished is truly remarkable. But, it’s important to remember that they didn’t get here alone. The Disney Dreamers Academy provides them with a support system that encourages and guides them towards their goals.

This year’s event featured several celebrity guest speakers, including gospel singer Yolanda Adams, actor David Oyelowo and former NFL athlete Emmitt Smith. Each speaker shared their personal story of overcoming obstacles and achieving their dreams.

The workshops ranged from learning how to code with MIT Media Lab to developing leadership skills with Steve Harvey. The winners were also given a behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s various operations, including Imagineering and Animation Studios.

The program is now in its 10th year and has helped over 1,000 students. The impact it has had on these young individuals is immeasurable. They’ve gained confidence, made lifelong connections and have been equipped with the tools to turn their dreams into reality.

The Disney Dreamers Academy is much more than just a trip to Disney World. It’s an investment in the future of our youth. It’s a reminder that anything is possible if you have the drive, determination and support.

So, the next time you see a young person with big dreams, encourage them to apply for the Disney Dreamers Academy. Who knows, they may just be the next Kheris Rogers or Alexus Miller-Wigfall.

"Disney Dreamers Academy 2016 Winners" ~ bbaz

Disney Dreamers Academy 2016 Winners

Introduction

Disney Dreamers Academy is an annual program that provides 100 high school students with an opportunity to pursue their dreams and explore career options through interactive workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The program represents diversity and inclusiveness, with young people from varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, who share the same passion for success. Here are the Disney Dreamers Academy 2016 winners who made it to the coveted list.

Meet the 2016 Disney Dreamers Academy Winners

1. Angelina Lazo from Larchmont Charter School was selected as a Disney Dreamer for her passion for filmmaking, social justice, and advocacy work.

2. Bryce Coleman, a student at West Orange-Stark High School, dreamed of pursuing a career in sports broadcasting and impressed the selection committee with his charismatic personality, creativity, and confidence.

3. Carter Chandler from Carmel Christian School aspired to become a surgeon and use his medical knowledge to help underprivileged communities around the world.

4. Denim Phillips from Whitney Young Magnet High School showed his love for entrepreneurship, fashion design, and innovative thinking, which earned him a spot among the 2016 Disney Dreamers.

5. Haley Bundrant from James River High School wanted to break down the barriers for young women in science, technology, engineering, and math fields, and pursue her dream of becoming a biomedical engineer.

How the Disney Dreamers Academy Empowers Young Leaders

The Disney Dreamers Academy provides a unique opportunity for young leaders to gain hands-on experience, practical skills, and insights from industry experts and accomplished professionals, who serve as mentors and role models throughout the program. These interactive workshops, seminars, and personal development sessions help the Dreamers to:

- Develop essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience

- Explore potential career paths and industries that align with their passions, interests, and values

- Expand their network and build relationships with like-minded peers, mentors, and professionals

- Gain exposure to diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences, which broadens their horizons and fosters empathy and understanding

The Impact of the Disney Dreamers Academy

Since its inception in 2007, the Disney Dreamers Academy has impacted the lives of over 1,000 young people and established itself as a premier youth empowerment program, recognized by leading organizations and media outlets around the world. Many of the Disney Dreamers have gone on to achieve remarkable success and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

For instance, Tristan Jordan from the 2007 class used his experience at the Disney Dreamers Academy to pursue his dream of becoming an orthopedic surgeon, and is now a medical student at Indiana University.

Another Dreamer, Gabrielle “Gabby” Goodwin, who participated in the 2015 Disney Dreamers Academy, and her mother invented a patented Double-Faced Snap Barrette that has gained nationwide attention and generated impressive sales figures.

Conclusion

The Disney Dreamers Academy is more than just a program, it’s a life-changing experience that inspires, empowers, and motivates young people to follow their dreams, pursue their passions, and make a positive impact in the world. The 2016 Disney Dreamers Academy winners are a testament to the power of belief, dedication, and hard work, and serve as role models for future generations of Dreamers to come.

Comparison Blog: Disney Dreamers Academy 2016 Winners

The Disney Dreamers Academy is an initiative by Disney to inspire and mentor young people in their pursuit of success. Each year, thousands of students apply, and only a few are selected as winners to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime program. In this blog, we will compare the experiences of the 2016 winners and explore their individual journeys.

The Selection Process

The selection process for the Disney Dreamers Academy is rigorous and highly competitive. Applicants need to be between the ages of 13 and 19 and must demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and community involvement. The 2016 winners were chosen after a thorough evaluation of their essays, academic records, and recommendations.

One notable winner was Chase Reed, a high school student from New York. He impressed the selection committee with his business acumen and creativity, having already launched his own sneaker store at just 16 years old.

The Disney Dreamers Academy Experience

Once selected, the winners embark on a four-day journey at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The program is designed to inspire, educate, and empower them to pursue their dreams. The 2016 participants had the opportunity to hear from accomplished speakers, learn from industry experts, and engage in hands-on workshops.

A standout moment from the 2016 Dreamers Academy was when Oprah Winfrey surprised the students with a visit and shared her own personal journey with them.

Impact on Winners' Lives

Participating in the Disney Dreamers Academy has had a lasting impact on the lives of many winners. They have gone on to achieve great things and inspire others in the process.

Take for instance, Naomi Wadler, who was just 11 years old when she won the Disney Dreamers Academy in 2016. Since then, she has become an activist fighting for social justice and has even spoken at the March for Our Lives rally in Washington D.C.

The Importance of Mentorship

A key aspect of the Disney Dreamers Academy is the mentorship aspect. Throughout the experience, the winners have the opportunity to connect with successful professionals and receive guidance and support as they pursue their dreams.

This mentorship has been vital for many of the winners such as Jalen Bailey, who won the Disney Dreamers Academy in 2016 at the age of 9. He has since started his own baking business and has had the guidance of his Disney Dreamers mentor, Chef Jeff Henderson.

Comparison of the 2016 Winners

Winner	Age	Hometown	Dream	Mentor
Chase Reed	16	New York, NY	To build his sneaker empire	Dan TDM, YouTuber and Entrepreneur
Naomi Wadler	11	Alexandria, VA	To fight for social justice and equality	Kirbyjon Caldwell, Pastor and Financial Advisor
Jalen Bailey	9	Fresno, CA	To own his own bakery	Chef Jeff Henderson, Celebrity Chef and Author

Conclusion: Pursue Your Dreams

The Disney Dreamers Academy is more than just a program; it's a catalyst that empowers young people to pursue their dreams. The 2016 winners serve as great examples of what can be accomplished through hard work, determination, and mentorship.

If you're a young person with big dreams, don't let anything stop you. Apply for the Disney Dreamers Academy or seek out mentorship opportunities to help guide you along the way.

Tips and Lessons from the Disney Dreamers Academy 2016 Winners

Introduction

Disney Dreamers Academy (DDA) is a program created by Walt Disney World Resort® and Steve Harvey to help teenagers identify and pursue their dreams. Every year, the program selects 100 high school students for a four-day workshop at the Disney resort. The participants get to meet and learn from inspirational figures across different industries, such as athletes, entertainers, and business leaders. Among the participants are ten students who receive a $1,000 scholarship and a paid internship at the Walt Disney World Resort®. This article will discuss some of the winners of the Disney Dreamers Academy 2016, what they learned from the program, and how other teenagers can also benefit from DDA.

Tip 1: Identify Your Passion

At the Disney Dreamers Academy, the students learn about identifying their passions and turning them into careers. One of the winners, Jalon Harvey, shared how he learned to articulate his passion for music and make a plan for how to turn it into a profession. For teenagers who may not be sure what they're passionate about, the program teaches them to try out different activities until something significant resonates with them.

Tip 2: Set Goals and Take Action

Another lesson that teenagers can learn from the Disney Dreamers Academy is how to set achievable goals. According to the 2016 winner Ja’la Henderson, one of the most important things she learned was to set small, achievable goals to work your way up to the bigger picture. Once you've identified your passion, the next step is to create a plan and take small daily actions to achieve those goals. The DDA program helps participants understand the importance of starting small, staying focused, and having the discipline to follow through.

Tip 3: Network and Build Relationships

At the Disney Dreamers Academy, students get to meet and interact with inspirational figures and experts in their fields. Participants have access to industry leaders who can offer guidance, advice, and mentorship. Experts such as Chef Jeff Henderson, teaching on entrepreneurship, and Devan Statler, who spoke about uncovering passion, encourage students to establish relationships with people who could be necessary potential mentors or future connections.

Tip 4: Embrace Failure and Learn from Mistakes

One of the most important habits that teenagers can develop at the Disney Dreamers Academy is learning from their failures. Many successful individuals faced numerous setbacks before achieving their goals, and students at DDA are encouraged to develop resilience under challenging situations. Jevon Hunter, one of the 2016 winners of DDA, shared how he learned that if you never try, you can never fail, but if you never fail, you'll never succeed. This mindset teaches teens to embrace failure as a necessary step towards success and a valuable learning experience.

Tip 5: Develop Communication Skills

The Disney Dreamers Academy emphasizes the importance of clear communication skills, especially in interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. For many high school students, sharing ideas and thoughts might prove hard, however, with a focus on effective communication, the program grooms them for leadership roles. The workshops immerse participants in activities that help them become better public speakers and listeners while conveying their ideas in a clear and concise manner.

Conclusion

While the experience of attending the Disney Dreamers Academy can be transformative, the ultimate success lies in what the student does after leaving the program. By taking advantage of the lessons learned, teenagers who embrace the values and philosophies taught at the Disney Dreamers Academy can uncover their passions, set achievable goals, embrace failures, and build strong connections for future success. Ultimately, the lessons learned can help anyone seeking to cultivate habits of discipline, persistence, and an optimistic attitude towards achieving their dream.

Disney Dreamers Academy 2016 Winners: Keep Dreaming Big!

The Disney Dreamers Academy is a program that aims to inspire young individuals to achieve their dreams. Every year, they accept applications from high school students across the United States who have demonstrated exceptional qualities in academics, leadership, and community involvement. Out of thousands of applicants, only 100 are selected as winners, and they are given the opportunity to attend a four-day program at Walt Disney World Resort.

The 2016 edition of the Disney Dreamers Academy was a huge success, not just because of the amazing experience that the 100 winners had, but also because of the lasting impact that the program made on these young individuals. They were able to interact with renowned professionals in different fields, attend workshops that honed their skills, and participate in activities that challenged them both physically and mentally.

Throughout the program, the winners were encouraged to dream big and to strive for excellence in everything that they do. They learned that making their dreams a reality required hard work, dedication, and perseverance. They also realized that they were not alone in their journey, as they met other like-minded young individuals who shared the same passion for success.

One of the highlights of the Disney Dreamers Academy was the interaction that the winners had with some of the most successful people in various industries. They had the opportunity to listen to keynote speeches from notable figures such as Steve Harvey, Yolanda Adams, and Kenan Thompson. These speakers not only shared their personal stories of success but also gave valuable advice on how to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.

Aside from the inspirational talks, the winners were also able to attend workshops that were specifically designed to help them develop their skills. The workshops covered topics such as public speaking, entrepreneurship, and personal branding. These were conducted by experts in their respective fields who gave practical tips and techniques that the winners could apply in their own lives.

The Disney Dreamers Academy also provided opportunities for the winners to explore their interests and talents. There were workshops on music, dance, and arts, where they could showcase their creativity. There were also activities that challenged them physically, such as obstacle courses and team-building exercises.

One of the key takeaways from the program was the importance of giving back to one's community. The winners were encouraged to find ways to use their talents and skills to make a positive impact in their neighborhoods. They were given the opportunity to participate in a service project where they helped refurbish a community center in Orlando.

Overall, the 2016 Disney Dreamers Academy was a life-changing experience for the 100 winners. They were able to learn valuable lessons from successful professionals, develop their skills, and explore their interests. More importantly, they discovered that their dreams were within reach, and that with hard work and dedication, they could make them a reality.

To all aspiring dreamers out there: know that it is never too late to chase your dreams. The success of the 2016 Disney Dreamers Academy winners should inspire you to keep working towards your goals. Remember that nothing is impossible if you put your heart and mind to it.

Thank you for reading about the Disney Dreamers Academy 2016 winners. Keep dreaming big!

Disney Dreamers Academy 2016 Winners: Everything You Need to Know

What is Disney Dreamers Academy?

Disney Dreamers Academy is a once-in-a-lifetime program that provides young people with a unique opportunity to explore their talents, interests, and passions while learning valuable life skills and practical knowledge. The program was established in 2007 and has since become a highly regarded educational experience for young people across the United States.

Who were the winners of Disney Dreamers Academy 2016?

The winners of Disney Dreamers Academy 2016 were an exceptionally talented and diverse group of young people from all over the United States. Some of the notable winners from the 2016 program included:

1. Naomi Alabi, a young woman from Alaska with a passion for science and math
2. Darnell Creighton, a talented musician from New Jersey with a passion for jazz
3. Destiny Haley, a young woman from Florida with a passion for writing and storytelling
4. Jamal Holtz, a talented athlete from Texas with a passion for football and leadership

How were the winners selected?

The winners of Disney Dreamers Academy were selected based on a rigorous application process that assessed their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and personal goals. Applicants were required to write essays, submit letters of recommendation, and participate in interviews to be considered for the program. After a thorough review of all applications, judges selected the most promising and motivated young people to participate in the program.

What did the winners learn at Disney Dreamers Academy?

During their time at Disney Dreamers Academy, the winners participated in a range of exciting and educational activities that challenged them to think creatively, explore their interests, and develop important life skills. Some of the highlights of the program included:

• Interactive workshops on topics like entrepreneurship, leadership, and communication
• Mentorship sessions with successful professionals in the fields of entertainment, sports, and business.
• Hands-on experiences at Disney Theme Parks and Resorts to learn about entertainment, hospitality, and customer service.
• Opportunities to connect with other ambitious and motivated young people from across the United States.

How has Disney Dreamers Academy impacted the lives of its participants?

Since its inception, Disney Dreamers Academy has had a profound impact on the lives of its participants. Many alumni have gone on to achieve great success in their academic and professional lives, citing the program as a key inspiration and learning experience. Some notable alumni of the program include Amanda Gorman, the renowned poet who delivered the inaugural poem at Joe Biden's presidential inauguration, and Kermit Crawford, a respected business leader and former executive at Walgreens and Rite Aid.

By providing young people with opportunities to explore their passions, develop valuable skills, and connect with successful mentors, Disney Dreamers Academy has become a vital resource for the next generation of young leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators.