As social media often reminds us, the next generation is going to be just fine. The 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy just wrapped up from sunny Orlando, Florida, and it was truly a beautiful display of the brilliance and creativity that today’s young people possess. It also showed the power of what can happen when we pour into those who come after us.
This year’s dynamic cohort comprised 100 students from around the nation who were hand-selected to attend the 5-day experience. There were also celebrity appearances from folks like Rickey Smiley, Lance Gross, Sanya Richards-Ross and more.
The multiday event kicked off with a welcome ceremony in which the 2024 class was treated to Divine Nine steppers. Drum major Mickey and two former HBCU alumni who taught Mickey all of his high-stepping moves gave the class a glimpse into HBCU culture.
“I wish that they had this program when I was growing up, it’s needed,” comedian and syndicated radio host Rickey Smiley shared from Disney World. “A program like Disney Dreamers Academy really prepares young dreamers who have big dreams. This opportunity is life changing and I wish all organizations had something similar.”
After the high-energy welcome ceremony, it was time to get to work—with a little Disney magic sprinkled in between. The students engaged in power talks with Walt Disney World execs, their parents heard from former Olympian and Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member Sanya Richards-Ross and her mother on what it means to raise a dreamer, and there was a parade in Magic Kingdom in which the 2024 cohort became the main attraction.
Sanya Richards-Ross empowers the 2024 cohort. Image: Walt Disney World
“I see all these parents who have young dreamers and have big goals, and I just want to be able to do the same for my sons,” Richard-Ross tells EBONY. “I stand on the shoulders of my mother, who gave me great opportunities. I just want my sons to feel like the world is their oyster.”
One of the highlights for the young dreamers were the living labs—a variety of immersive sessions that allowed them to get a sneak peek into some of the career paths they aspire to. There was everything from what a day in the life of an attorney looks like presented by Stephanie Brinkley, Esq.—legal counsel for Disney World—to an engaging session on entrepreneurship hosted by Shark Tank’s own Daymond John and one on filmmaking. The entrepreneurship lab was particularly special because it allowed one student—Te’Lario Watkins II—to receive a special opportunity courtesy of John and his Shark Tank crew.
“Wow, I’m in shock,” Watkins says when Daymond John presented him with the surprise news.
Te’Lario Watkins during his entrepreneurship living lab. Image: Walt Disney World.
Watkins, 16 years old and an Ohio resident, was offered the chance to attend a private taping of Shark Tank. The teen launched his own non-profit that seeks to address food deserts in his communities. He started his own urban farm, Tiger Mushroom Farms, and donates fresh produce to local food banks while educating his peers on the benefits of growing your own food. In addition to this, he’s also created his own line of seasonings, which he hopes to get in retail stores soon.
“My dream for the future, besides majoring in agriculture in college, is to help diminish food injustice,” Watkins shares with EBONY. “During this experience, I’ve learned that no matter where you come from or what your background is, you can achieve great things.”
Also among the multitalented class of 100 was an Alabama teen named Trynnady Aldridge. While navigating a well-rounded and packed high school schedule, the junior also runs her own baking business, Trynnady’s Treats, in which she offers seven types of brownies, among other sweets.
“I stumbled across Disney Dreamers while at Disney World last year with DECA, and my sponsor told me she thought it would be a great opportunity,” Aldridge shares with EBONY. “My dream is to go into marketing and culinary. I love being a voice for others. I also hope to have my own bakery, too.”
2024 Dreamers show off their class rings. Image: Walt Disney World
“During this experience I got to meet Lance Gross, it was so cool to see that people that are in such high places are still so down to Earth. I’ve also just been able to see other students do what they want and love to do. I’m usually the only Black girl in these types of spaces, so it’s been amazing to see others who look like me,” the Alabama junior continues.
The weekend came to an end with a powerful commencement ceremony that featured stepping, songs of praise and worship, special gifts to some of the year’s standout students and the presentation of the 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy class ring by the dreamers’ parents or chaperones. It was certainly a tear-jerker moment as the emcee asked the chaperones to flood the young students with positive words and lots of love.
That final moment was the perfect summation of the entire event, as it was once again a reminder that when we pour into others (young and old), there’s no limit to what they can do.
