It’s not every day Mickey Mouse shows up at your school with a personal invite to Walt Disney World Resort—but that’s exactly what happened last week! Two students, one in Houston and one in Atlanta, got the surprise of a lifetime as part of the build-up to the big reveal of the Disney Dreamers Academy Class of 2025.
I had the chance to be there, and wow—what an unforgettable experience! From the confetti and streamers to the signs and cheers, the joy on those high school students’ faces is something I’ll never forget.
At Trinity Christian School in Sharpsburg, Ga., high school senior Owen Osborne thought he was heading to just another class assembly. Little did he know we had something magical up our sleeve! I’m not exaggerating when I say the amount of confetti made it feel like Owen had just won the Super Bowl. Over 250 students packed the pep rally, and Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney World Ambassador Shannon Smith-Conrad were there to deliver the big news in true Disney style.
Meanwhile, at Alief Taylor High School near Houston, high school senior Jayden Kelly was preparing for an algebra lesson when Mickey Mouse made a surprise appearance. It was her first time meeting one of her heroes, and her reaction was everything—tears of joy streaming down her face as she took it all in.
Seriously, these moments were pure magic.
Following a mention on Good Morning America, the rest of the talented Class of 2025 was revealed. Jayden, Owen, and the other students selected for the program—along with a parent or guardian—will embark on an all-expenses-paid trip to Walt Disney World for the four-day event (March 26-30, 2025).
Disney Dreamers Academy, in its 18th year, is an educational mentorship program that is fostering the career dreams of high school students from varying backgrounds and communities nationwide. The program gives students the chance to connect with industry leaders, cast members, Hollywood celebrities, and more through hands-on workshops and seminars. These sessions are designed to inspire and empower students to take their dreams to the next level.
Congratulations to the Disney Dreamers Academy Class of 2025! We’ll see you in March at Walt Disney World—where the magic will come alive, where you’ll connect with other talented students, and where memories that last a lifetime will be made. Get ready for an adventure like no other—it’s only the beginning!