Fifteen students across Central Florida, including three from Osceola County, were selected from over 400 other outstanding students throughout Central Florida as the 2019 Disney Dreamers and Doers Shining Stars for their amazing achievements, according to a Walt Disney World news release.
The students were selected in recognition of their “strong character, inspiring actions, and willingness to help others.”
Positively Osceola would like to congratulate all fifteen amazing students, and specifically the three brilliantly shining stars that are from Osceola County according to a Walt Disney World press release:
- Nahima Correa Lopez, 3rd grade at East Lake Elementary School
Despite personal hardships, Nahima is best known her smile and can-do attitude. She is the first to offer help to her fellow students in need and is also this year’s youngest Disney Dreamers and Doers Shining Star. - Geraldine Mejias, 8th grade at Denn John Middle School
Inspired by her own personal challenges, Geraldine is passionate about helping students and families who may be experiencing homelessness or hunger. She has raised funds for a food pantry at her school and encouraged her fellow students to support the cause. - Paris Vargas, senior at New Dimensions High School
When Paris’ family went through a challenging time, she assumed a leadership role in her household while balancing her academics, helping her community and learning more about healthy lifestyles.
“Disney Dreamers and Doers” was established in 1984 to recognize young people who “demonstrate excellence in school, at home, and in the community.”
This year, more than 400 students in Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk and Seminole counties were chosen by their school principals for consistently and uniquely showing their compassion, empathy and creativity, the release stated.
Of those 400, 15 Shining Stars were selected by Disney as the best of the best for truly showcasing what it means to both “dream” and “do,” the release said.
“These incredible students are the leaders of tomorrow,” Rena Langley, senior vice president of public affairs for Walt Disney World Resort, said. “Their inspiring actions, both individually and collectively, are shaping the future of our Central Florida community.”
The 15 students received a Walt Disney World Resort Annual Pass for themselves and each member of their immediate family, a special Mickey Mouse statue known as a “Mousecar” and a gold medallion commemorating their honor. The students and their families will be treated to a celebratory summer night at Epcot, complete with a dessert party and special fireworks viewing.
The release said their schools received 10 Walt Disney World Resort One-Day Park Hopper tickets.
