Disney to honor Central Florida students with its Dreamers and Doers awards

This week, schools throughout Central Florida are putting their finishing touches on applications that will undergo the white-glove treatment by Mickey Mouse, himself. Friday is the deadline for local elementary, middle and high schools’ submissions for Disney Dreamers and Doers awards.

Now in its 30th year, this award program recognizes students who have inspired others and made the world a better place. In return, Disney hopes to inspire and reward the area’s student leaders with theme-park tickets and keepsakes.

The process began earlier this month when students were asked to nominate themselves by writing a 300-word paragraph describing their achievements. These achievements don’t necessarily have to be academic either. The official rules give these examples of student contributions: “strengthening their families; conservation/environmental projects; helping others; safety; school achievement in spite of barriers; improving their schools; serving as a role model for siblings/friends; or other positive actions.”

Then, the student had to ask a teacher to champion his or her application by writing a 75-word endorsement. The two essays were turned into the school’s principal, who was asked to consider the strength, passion and caring spirit reflected in the student’s writing, before selecting the school’s Disney Dreamer and Doer.

Once a school’s Disney Dreamer and Doer is chosen, he or she is entered in a larger competition, Disney’s Shining Stars. April 26 is the deadline for schools to submit these applications. The awards are given to 18 students — one elementary, middle and high school student in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties and from the Florida Virtual School. Shining Stars receive Disney World annual passes for their immediate families for one year. In past years, a prize patrol headed by Mickey Mouse traveled to each school to announce the Shining Stars, but that has been eliminated this year.

“Students may be comfortable in the spotlight, or shy away from it. Some take positive action that is visible; some actions may not visible to many,” the Disney press release states. “We believe all students do good things and have the potential to be a Disney Dreamer and Doer. We look forward to hearing about students in each of these categories.”

Past winners have included a student who stood up to bullying and a teen who founded her own nonprofit to make a positive impact on the environment.

Schools will be notified on May 8 if their students are among this year’s Shining Stars.