Burrell Communications

Alumni from Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine Pushing Careers into National Spotlight

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL – (February 17, 2012) – Since the first commencement in 2008, graduates of Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine have all left the experience at Walt Disney World Resort sporting a class ring and filled with some newly-charged ambition. And, more than a handful of graduates have turned inspiration into action and morphed childhood dreams into prime-time reality.

When Berchell “Kyle” Egerton entered Disney’s Dreamers Academy as part of the Class of 2008, he was an avid artist whose big dream was to become a successful fashion designer. This month, Kyle’s dreams came true as the 20-year-old junior at the Art Institute of New York City launched his own line of clothing to the design world at New York Fashion Week.

“Disney’s Dreamers Academy pushed me to do everything I can to reach my dreams,” said Egerton. “The academy showed me I should not wait for tomorrow, I have to start today.”

Class of 2010 alum and pop singing sensation Niki Dawson fulfilled her dreams by using the inspiration and career advice she received to propel her onto the hit TV show The Voice and the national spotlight. Dawson credits her immersive workshop with Ruben Studdard and Kimberly Locke at “The American Idol Experience” during Disney’s Dreamers Academy for helping to focus her dreams into a realistic plan of action.

“It was awesome for me to learn how everything worked on- and off- stage. That experience prepared me to get where I am today,” said Dawson.

Disney’s Dreamer’s Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine will celebrate its fifth-year anniversary March 8-11 at Disney World with the graduation of the Class of 2012. More than 500 students will have benefited from the Academy’s series of immersive workshops and motivational advice sessions delivered by celebrities and career professionals. Each year, Disney’s Dreamers Academy selects 100 high school students from across the U.S to attend the four-day power-packed educational experience at Walt Disney World Resort.

“These kids arrive full of dreams,” said Tracey Walters-Powell, executive champion of the program for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We give them a little encouragement and when they see how others achieved their success, suddenly it’s full dreams ahead.”

During the program, students are shown a world of possibilities as they engage and participate in workshops on a variety of subjects, including entertainment, entrepreneurship, the medical field, culinary arts and creative inspiration from Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative gurus behind Disney’s theme parks, resorts and attractions.

“Disney’s Dreamers Academy really opened my eyes to so many possibilities and introduced me to such amazing people,” said 2008 Dreamer Tevyn Cole, who started School Me Clothing, a line of apparel dedicated to showcasing African American inventors.

Class of 2009 alum Taylor Thomas was so impressed with her Disney’s Dreamer’s Academy experience and immersive workshops that she applied for and became a member of the Walt Disney World College Program.

“After Disney’s Dreamers Academy, I knew I had to apply for the College Program,” said Taylor, who is now a freshman at Southern Illinois University studying Spanish Education.

This year, more than 4,700 applications were submitted for review by a celebrity panel of judges led by comedian, author, philanthropist and Disney’s Dreamers Academy Ambassador Steve Harvey. Judging criteria for students selected was based on exhibiting curiosity, compassion and leadership skills.

For additional information and updates on the program please visit www.disneysdreamersacademy.com, like us at www.facebook.com/disneysdreamersacademy or follow us on Twitter @dreamersacademy.

About Steve Harvey: Steve Harvey first performed stand-up comedy in the mid-1980s, which eventually led to a long stint as host of “It’s Showtime at the Apollo.” His success as a stand-up comedian led to multiple TV sitcoms, including: “Me and the Boys”, “The Steve Harvey Show” and “Steve Harvey’s Big Time Challenge.” His first book, “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man” quickly became a bestseller in 2009 has been made into a motion picture which will be in theatres nationwide in April of 2012. Harvey has appeared on “The Oprah Show,” “Nightline,” “Good Morning America” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” Currently, Harvey hosts the nationally syndicated radio show “Steve Harvey Morning Show” which airs in over 60 markets and has more than 7 million listeners. He is also the current host of the television game show Family Feud.

About Essence Communications Inc.: Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the number one media company dedicated to African-American women, with a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events, and online. The company’s flagship publication, ESSENCE magazine, is the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women; generating brand extensions such as the Essence Music Festival, ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood and Black Women in Music, Window on Our Women and Smart Beauty consumer insights series, the Essence Book Club, Essence.com, and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD). For 41 years, ESSENCE, which has a brand reach of over 8 million, has been the leading source of cutting-edge information and specific solutions relating to every area of African-American women’s lives.

About Walt Disney World Resort / The Walt Disney Co.: Walt Disney World Resort is a contiguous 40-square-mile, world-class entertainment and recreation center located at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 20 miles southwest of Orlando. The Walt Disney Co. has a rich legacy of creativity and exceptional storytelling that brings families together in unique and memorable ways. Creative excellence is coupled with a strong commitment to community service and diversity. The Walt Disney Co. is dedicated to making a positive impact in communities around the world, with a primary focus on brightening the lives of children.

Media Contacts:

Annette Gibbs
Walt Disney World Public Relations
407.566.5337
annette.gibbs@disney.com

Jessica Pipkins
Burrell Communications Group
313.779.5446
jessicapipkins@gmail.com

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