The Dreamers were treated to a surprise-filled breakfast to begin their final day.  The theme was “We Celebrate the Dreamer in You”.  The Mime Boyz a group of young male mimes entertained them.  Their praise dance performance to the gospel song “I Need Thee Every Hour” started this finale event on a spiritual note.  Then, Steve Harvey and Tracey Walters, the Director of Pricing for Theme Parks and Resorts at Walt Disney World, took the stage.  They thanked everyone (sponsors, chaperones, Dreamers, judges, speakers, The Steve Harvey Morning Show, The National Association of Black Journalists and Disney employees) for making the 2009 Dreamer’s Academy happen.    Next, Essie Calhoun, a Chief Diversity Officer & Director of Community Affairs at Eastman Kodak Company, shared and showed onscreen how the kids had expressed themselves by taking photos during their time at the Academy.    She reminded the group of “The Kodak Challenges” that the Dreamers and their mentors had voted to choose.  Mickey Mouse and actress Anika Noni Rose handed out the Awards.  The winners were:

• (Adult) Mentor: Jonathan Sprinkles
• Superstar: Rian L.
• Courage: Delmonty J.
• Confidence & Entrepreneurship: Darius G.
• Role Model: Kevin H.

In addition to the special awards that were presented to the winners, Kodak surprised all of the Dreamers by allowing them to each keep the cameras that they had been “loaned” for the event.  The teens were really excited about the gift!  After a performance by Nuttin’ but Stringz, the Dreamers were able to hear two excellent motivational speeches. Read the rest of this entry »

After practicing networking amongst themselves for the last few days, the Dreamers had the opportunity to meet 19 various professionals (including some of the round table participants) at this gathering.  Sybil Woolfork, Director of Marketing for Disney’s Vacation Club addressed the Dreamers before sending them out to mingle.  She asked how many friends the teens had on MySpace or FaceBook. After stopping the count at claims of 1500+ friends on the sites, she shared how using this form of social media is networking.  It’s something that they already know how to do, because it’s simply connecting with others and helping them get to know you.  Her advice to the students regarding looking for a new job was to already have a job and to let your friends know that you’re looking for a new one.  Ms. Woolfork shared a personal example of networking by telling the Dreamers how she began working at Disney.  It was a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend that led her to the position. She then urged the Dreamers to go make great impressions and to combat their nervousness by remembering GCP: God gives me Confidence and Poise.
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The Dreamers had a very special dinner on Saturday night.  As they ate an amazing meal, a variety of professionals (from aviation, education, entertainment, advertising, performing arts, medicine, business, journalism, graphic design and TV production) took turns going around to each table of Dreamers.  As I watched the rotations, I couldn’t help but to think how privileged the Dreamers were - not only were they getting to meet these wonderful, inspirational people but also the participants were going to the Dreamers’ tables instead of vice versa!
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Saturday morning started off on a fashionable note for the Dreamers as they had breakfast with motivational speaker Alex O. Elllis.  He is the owner of Simply Ellis a custom clothing company that specializes in custom suits, shirts and men’s accessories. He also recently formed a nonprofit called Tied to Greatness where he focuses on inner city high school males. Tied to Greatness is currently in the process of hosting a national tour.  They are encouraging men of color to sign up to be mentors/role models to the participating students.  One especially great aspect of this program is that each student receives a tie (courtesy of sponsors such as Steve Harvey, Macy’s, etc.) that their mentor teaches them how to properly tie. The program really needs a variety of men to participate, so please volunteer if you can.
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