Photos: “Dreamers” in Their Own Words

Stories of inspiring young people from across the nation.

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Princeton Parker - Becoming an ordained minister at the tender age of seven, Princeton Parker, now 16, showed his ambition from an early age. The Los Angeles student also participates in various jazz groups and served as youth ambassador for the California Arts Initiative. “My purpose is to reach people on a global scale through a religious and philanthropic platform,” he said. (Photo: Disney)
Wayne Lyons - This Fort Lauderdale, Florida, scholar-athlete excels in the classroom and the field. Lyons (left) has the highest GPA in his class, started a virtual book club and mentoring club, serves as senior class president and is dual-enrolled at Broward College, where he’s already completed 37 college credits. He’s also a U.S. Army All-American football player. His favorite part of Dreamer’s Academy? “Talking to Steve Harvey and getting a chance to see the real Steve Harvey and not the comedian." (Photo: Todd Anderson)Shanice Alexander - Alexander, an Arizona high school junior, dreams of one day becoming a fashioneer (a cross between a fashion designer and an engineering manager), so she started a fashion club at her school. Outside of fashion, Alexander is active in her school’s environmental club, volunteers in a local hospital and is part of NASA’s online community. Being one of just three Black students at her school, the Dreamers Academy was a totally new and welcome experience for her. (Photo: Personal photo)

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Meet Academy Dreamers - Disney’s fourth annual Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence magazine brought together a group of inspiring young people from across the nation. Take a look at just a few of their stories and be inspired.

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