Charlotte Students Participate in Disney Dreamers Academy

By Kylie Marsh | For The Charlotte Post

Three Charlotte high school students are getting valuable exposure to future careers during an all-expenses paid program from Disney Dreamers Academy. Hosted at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., the students and their chaperones attend workshops geared toward giving them valuable experience, inspiration and encouragement in careers like law, journalism, animal science, marine biology, and aerospace technology.

Meet the Participants

Sanaa Wilkins, 17, attends Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology off Freedom Drive. She enjoys making short films, dancing, poetry, singing, and her special interest is skincare. She hopes to continue making films and become a dermatologist. Fifteen-year-old Shadiya Urmanova, who was born in Uzbekistan, goes to Ardrey Kell High School in south Charlotte. She is involved in orchestra, speech and debate, and taekwondo. She is also interested in biology and Envirothon. Camille Satterwhite-Rambert, 15, goes to North Mecklenburg High School in Huntersville, where she is sophomore class president. Satterwhite-Rambert wants to attend the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts and create her own youth-based production company.

Learning from Experts

On their second day in the program, the students heard from the production team for “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!” a stage musical at the Animal Kingdom theme park. Among them were puppet master Chris Iannuzzi, art director Matt Fiuza, show director James Silson, and Creative Producer Katrina Mena Rick. Many of them had little experience for the positions they now hold but are proof that students should focus on pursuing their dreams. Chaperones had a special session with Olympic champion Sanya Richards-Ross and her mother on the value of supporting children in their dreams.

Hands-On Experience

Later in the day, students gained hands-on experience in their chosen future careers. The program aims to give the participants a real-world glimpse into the industries they are interested in pursuing, helping them make informed decisions about their future paths.

Graduation Ceremony

The students will graduate from Disney Dreamers Academy on Sunday in a commencement ceremony, marking the completion of their immersive and educational experience at Walt Disney World in Orlando.

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Charlotte Students Participate in Disney Dreamers Academy