Across Central Florida, hundreds of Disney Dreamers and Doers are proving that if they can dream it, they can do it.

Over the years, Walt Disney inspired children and adults alike with the saying: “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” As they bravely follow their dreams, students throughout Central Florida are recognized each year by Walt Disney World Resort for their vision and achievements. These ‘Disney Dreamers and Doers’ are making a difference through kindness and dedication – from tutoring younger students, to leading food drives, to overcoming personal challenges, to improving their grades.

“Here at Walt Disney World Resort, we continue to be impressed by our community’s youngest citizens and are inspired by the positive impact they have on Central Florida,” says Nancy Gidusko, director of corporate citizenship for Walt Disney World Resort. “Through compassion, vision, and hard work, these dedicated students act on their dreams of changing the world.”

Consider the heartfelt efforts of Juliana Ryan, a Polk County student who became an advocate for girls’ education following an eye-opening trip to South Africa. After discovering that 80 percent of the country’s girls are not enrolled in school, Juliana created a documentary to share her experiences with her schoolmates and peers. By doing this, she hoped to help raise awareness about the cultural pressures women face around the world. “Nothing gives me more satisfaction than watching a young girl conquer poverty and chase her own dreams,” Juliana said of her support for a nonprofit that connects women around the world through fair trade enterprises.

Each year, young humanitarians and community service leaders like Juliana are selected by their school principals to be recognized as Disney Dreamers and Doers. Outstanding students from public and private elementary, middle, and high schools in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, and Polk counties are honored for good deeds and service – such as helping their families, classmates, and friends, or community causes.

From students chosen as Dreamers and Doers, a panel of Disney judges selects up to 15 Shining Stars. Considered the best of the best, these students consistently demonstrate outstanding character, lead by example, and have a caring spirit. Students selected for the Shining Star distinction in the past year include a kindergartener who helped educate fellow students about the environmental dangers of littering, a second grader who befriended and assisted disabled students, and a high school senior whose guidance in fitness and nutrition helped a friend lose more than 100 pounds.

Another of this year’s Shining Stars is Topanga Sena, an Orange County student who created a book drive program called “Dare to Care,” to benefit local children living in homeless shelters. Topanga understands their challenges. As a young child living in a motel, she struggled academically. But with the help of her teachers, she improved her grades and was inspired to help younger children learn to read and love books. Her teachers say that, despite all she’s faced, Topanga makes helping others a top priority.

In recognition of accomplishments like these, Disney Dreamers and Doers receive four Walt Disney World theme park tickets, an honorary certificate, and award medallion. Students selected as Shining Stars receive a Mickey Mouse statue known as a “Mousecar,” Walt Disney World annual theme park passes for themselves and their immediate family, a gold medallion, and recognition at their respective schools.

This year, approximately 400 students were chosen by their schools for this distinguished award. Now in its 31^st year, the Disney Dreamers & Doers program has recognized a total of nearly 13,000 students over the years. In classrooms and hallways throughout our community, the awards can mean just as much to teachers and administrators as they do to the students who earn them.

“This honor exemplifies our school’s community spirit and commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Margaret Gunderson, principal of Lawton Chiles Middle School in Seminole County. “We’re proud of all of our students at Lawton Chiles Middle School, but it’s especially gratifying to count a Disney Dreamer & Doer Shining Star among our Panthers.” To learn more about how Walt Disney World Resort connects with the community, visit AboutWaltDisneyWorld.com