Wrapping up the school year with a salute to Central Florida’s youngest humanitarians and community service leaders, Walt Disney World Resort recognized 15 local students with exceptional achievements, naming them Disney Dreamers & Doers Shining Stars.
Making a difference through their kindness and hard work, Disney Dreamers & Doers consistently demonstrate outstanding character and lead by example. Students selected for the Shining Star distinction include a second grader who befriends and assists disabled students, an eighth grader who created a documentary promoting South African girls’ education and a high school senior whose guidance in fitness and nutrition helped a friend lose more than 100 pounds.
“Here at Walt Disney World Resort, we continue to be impressed by our community’s youngest citizens and are inspired by the positive impact they have on Central Florida,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations for Walt Disney World Resort. “Through compassion, vision and hard work, these dedicated students act on their dreams of changing the world.”
Approximately 400 students were chosen by their schools for this distinguished award. From all the 2014 Disney Dreamers & Doers named, a panel of judges selected the 15 Shining Stars from elementary, middle and high schools in Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk and Seminole counties. In its 31st year, the Disney Dreamers & Doers program has recognized nearly 13,000 students since the program began.
“We’re proud of all of our students at Lawton Chiles Middle School, but it’s especially gratifying to count a Disney Dreamer & Doer Shining Star among our Panthers,” said Dr. Margaret Gunderson, principal of Lawton Chiles Middle School in Seminole County. “This honor exemplifies our school’s community spirit and commitment to excellence.”
Disney Dreamers & Doers Shining Stars receive a Mickey Mouse statue known as a “Mousecar,” a gold medallion and annual theme park passes for themselves and their immediate family.
The 2014 Disney Dreamers & Doers Shining Stars are:
Lake County
- Belle Orser, Kindergarten, Christian Home & Bible School
- Scout Updike, 6th grade, Mount Dora Middle
- Angelea Mulkey, 10th grade, Solid Rock Christian School
Orange County
- Averyan Minor, 5th grade, Millenia Elementary
- Topanga Sena, 8th grade, Hunter’s Creek Middle
- Charis Watler, 11th grade, Cornerstone Charter Academy
Osceola County
- Kayla Domres, 5th grade, Lakeview Elementary
- Calvin Bidinger, 8th grade, Celebration K-8 School
- Chante Maitland, 11th grade, Gateway High
Polk County
- Hector Guzman, 5th grade, Janie Howard Wilson Elementary
- Juliana Ryan, 8th grade, Lawton Chiles Middle Academy
- Floyd Croka, 12th grade, Kathleen High
Seminole County
- Rocco Petrazio, 2nd grade, Lake Mary Preparatory
- Chloe MacFarlane, 8th grade, Lawton Chiles Middle
- Anastasia Parker, 12th grade, Lake Howell High
Disney Dreamers & Doers is just one of the ways that Walt Disney World Resort actively supports education in Central Florida. During the past year, Disney’s involvement has included Disney Grants for local school districts and early learning coalitions, more than 18,000 hours donated by Disney VoluntEARS at local schools and nearly 3 million school supplies donated to students at the start of the school year.