This is a remarkable achievement for Elite Scholars Academy!
Two students from the same school have been selected for the prestigious Disney Dreamers Academy (DDA), a life-changing initiative by the Walt Disney Company, according to 11Alive. Out of thousands of applicants nationwide, eight Georgia students, including freshman Hannah Dennis and senior Cameryn Polk of Elite Scholars Academy, have secured coveted spots in the 2024 class of Disney Dreamers Academy.
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Hannah and Cameryn are both actively involved in their community and have showcased leadership qualities that set them apart. Cameryn is part of the Clayton County Youth Commission, where she serves the youth of her county through initiatives like food drives and events promoting alternative paths to college. She shared, “We have an upcoming event called ‘College Isn’t For Me,’ that I helped plan to basically guide students towards a track to see if you don’t want to go to college here are options.”
Similarly, Hannah Dennis has organized impactful events such as the Hannah Christmas Extravaganza, where she donated toys to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive difference in her community. Reflecting on her selection, Hannah expressed her excitement, saying, “Little ole me, I got picked. It has been really amazing. When I first found out, I was really excited; I was screaming pretty much every day.”
Their dedication, coupled with a rigorous application process, secured them spots in the 2024 class of Disney Dreamers Academy. During the four-day program at Walt Disney World in April, the students will participate in immersive workshops and seminars designed to supercharge their career dreams. The program offers a unique opportunity for these young dreamers to explore various career disciplines, learn essential skills like effective communication, leadership, and networking, and gain insights from professionals in their fields of interest.
Tracey Powell, Senior VP at Walt Disney Company, emphasized the life-changing nature of the experience, stating, “They have an opportunity to pursue and understand what those career opportunities are for them by being exposed to professionals in the field that they are interested in. They will meet celebrities and fellow cast members, who are employees of Disney Walt Disney World Resort.”
Lorynn Lee, mother of Georgia high school student and 2022 Disney Dreamer Mi’Cai Haywood, shared the life-changing impact of the program with Because of Them We Can. She highlighted, “Mi’Cai was a Disney Dreamer in 2022, which was the 15-year anniversary of DDA. It was a life-changing experience for both the Dreamers and their families…Our greatest moment was when Kelly Rowland spoke to Mi’Cai in front of everyone at the final ceremony and spoke so much life into him.”
Lee concluded, “This is a special program where kids who have a dream can and will fulfill them if they cherish this opportunity and truly make the most of it.”
As these two students from Elite Scholars Academy embark on their journey to the Disney Dreamers Academy, they carry not only their dreams but also the legacy of those who have come before them, turning dreams into reality with the support of this transformative program.
Cover photo: 2 Georgia Teens From Same School Selected for Disney Dreamers Academy / Credit: Screenshot via 11Alive