CLAYTON, Ga. — Walt Disney Company announced its newest class of Dreamers -- and out of the thousands of applicants -- eight Georgia students are now among an elite group of 100 selected to participate in the Disney Dreamers Academy.
The annual conference at Disney aims to help students with goals and careering building. And, for the first time, two of the students are from the same school.
"I'm super excited, I'm going to to Disney World," said freshman Hannah Dennis.
Hannah is one of two luckily Elite Scholars Academy students selected along with senior Cameryn Pope. The two consider themselves big dreamers.
“I’m a part of the Clayton County Youth Commission and in doing that, I severe the youth of my county and we do food drives. 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,” Cameryn said.
Hannah has also organized events that have positively impacted her community.
“I use to do this things called Hanna Christmas extravaganza, where I would donate toys and give them to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta,” said Hannah.
Both students are also part of multiple organizations and they volunteer regularly. Their efforts along with a rigorous application process, helped them to secure slots in the 2024 class of Disney Dreamers Academy. During the four-day program at Walt Disney World, the 100 Disney Dreamers will be immersed in workshops and seminars designed to supercharge their career dreams.
The students will also explore a wide range of career disciplines while they learn essential skills, such as effective communication techniques, leadership and networking strategies.
“It is a life-changing experience” said Tracey Powell, a Senior VP at Walt Disney Company. “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, which are employees of Disney Walt Disney World Resort.”
Out of thousands of applications nationwide only 100 students were selected. The eight from Georgia include: Riley Kennard, Cameryn Polk, Ellis Schroeder, Bengina Amponsah, Amir Mason, Bianca Orfila-Molinet, Lillian Farrar, and Hannah Dennis.
As many are celebrating the milestone, Hannah said she’s just excited about being selected,
“Little ole me, I got picked. It’s has been really amazing. When I first found out, I was really excited I was screaming pretty much everyday,” Hannah said.
The all expenses paid workshop at Walt Disney World will take place in April. The teens will be accompanied by their parents.