Students leave with life lessons and new perspective at Disney Dreamers Academy
On their final day, the 100 teens selected to participate in the Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World bid an emotional farewell. The post Students leave with life lessons and new perspective at Disney Dreamers Academy appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.
Black News 
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Tears and cheers filled the air as 100 teens bid an emotional farewell during the “Class of 2026 Celebration,” marking the final day of the Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World on Saturday.
The final day kicked off at the “Superpower Studio,” led by artist and illustrator Nikkolas Smith. Under his guidance, Dreamers tapped into their creativity to design their own original superheroes. This was followed by the “Pitch Your Power Workshop,” an intensive session where students tackled creative networking challenges and heard from motivational speaker Lisa Nichols.
Later in the afternoon, the spotlight shifted to the “Confidence in Motion: The Disney ‘Power of Joy’ Panel.” A group of influential young voices—including singer Dai Time, author Tony Weaver Jr., Thaddeus Coates, Dimitri Beauchamp, and dancers Jasmine Jennings and Nia Sioux—shared insights on navigating social media and maintaining authenticity.
The four-day event culminated in a commencement ceremony featuring performances, inspirational speakers, and several surprises. Keynote remarks were delivered by Nichols, event host Princeton Parker, Walt Disney World Vice President of Marketing and Strategy Sivonne Davis, and Disney “DREAMbassador” Malia Baker. The evening also featured a performance by R&B singer-songwriter JayDon.
Baker spoke to the students about reaching their goals and the importance of what they learned over the weekend.
Cyril Josh Barker photos
“One of the biggest gifts about this program is that Disney Dreamers Academy gives you such an abundance of human connection,” Baker said to the students. “You got to know mentors who want to nurture that spark in you. Keep that sense of a connection when you leave here, and take that feeling with you wherever you go.”
Parker gave the Dreamers his final farewell words to the students who helped mentor over the weekend. He said that while the Dreamers Academy is now over, great things are ahead with what they have learned.
“As much as this magical place feels like home, a new chapter has already begun, and time moves you on,” he said. “There are a million dreams to light your way now. Dreamers, go claim yours.”
Several students received speical honors during the ceremony, including Joshua Hayes, who was named Dreamer of the Year. An aspiring marketing major dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices, Hayes and his family were awarded an all-expense-paid vacation to Walt Disney World and a Disney Cruise.
Other Dreamers recognized included Irene Pan, Clair Jefferson, and Scott Lenfesty, who were each awarded $2,500 scholarships from Partners Federal Credit Union. Additionally, Birelle Taylor of Brooklyn earned a mentorship opportunity with TELETIES, while Kyla Decambree was selected to attend the National Geographic HBCU Immersion Program this summer.
The ceremony concluded with a tradition as parents presented the Dreamers with pins. The gesture served as a symbol of their achievements and a pledge to continue striving for greatness.
The Disney Dreamers Academy is an educational and mentoring program for a select group of 100 high school students, chosen from thousands of applicants nationwide. Along with a parent or guardian, each teen received an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort to participate in hands-on career workshops and professional networking.
Disclosure: The Walt Disney Company paid for the travel and accommodations for several media outlets, including the AmNews, to cover the Disney Dreamers Academy. Disney did not review or approve any of our coverage.
The post Students leave with life lessons and new perspective at Disney Dreamers Academy appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.
