“Do not ignore your gift. Your gift is the thing you do the absolute BEST with the LEAST amount of effort.” – Steve Harvey

These are just a few of the many words of encouragement the 2012 Class of Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine heard last weekend as they participated in the 5th annual event at Walt Disney World Resort. One hundred high school students are selected annually to participate in Disney’s Dreamers Academy where they take part in four days of educational experiences, interactive career workshops; motivational talks and networking opportunities with Disney executives, sports and entertainment celebrities, industry professionals and community leaders who share their stories and blueprints for success.

The event was developed to motivate kids grades 9-12 to achieve their dreams. It does that and much more. I’ve attended four of the five years and I’ve watched it have a profound and life-changing effect on not only the students but their chaperones, the speakers, the media who cover the event (including me) and pretty much everyone involved.

I LOVE attending positive events that encourage people to be their BEST self – especially events that encourage our youth. I’m happy to help spread the word as the message to DREAM BIG is contaigious. Here are a few links to my coverage of the event:

Dr. Ian Smith Dishes Healthy Living at Disney’s Dreamers Academy on My Brown Baby. You know I’m passionate about getting healthy. Dr. Smith shares some great tips with me via video after he addressed the Dreamers.

Disney’s Dreamers Academy Dares and Prepares Students to Dream Big on Fox 5′s My Atlanta Moms. Get a quick peek at how celebs and experts really work hands on with the teens during the weekend.

A Dose of Inspiration from Disney’s Dreamers Academy here on RWR. It’s no surprise the students voted motivational speaker Jonathon Sprinkles mentor of the year for the fourth time. His encouraging message applies to all of us.

And, here’s a few pics from the weekend …

Singer Jordin Sparks performed during the commencement ceremony and did an extensive Q&A with the Dreamers. 

Soledad O’Brien, anchor for CNN morning show “Starting Point with Soledad O’Brien,” shared words of wisdom with the students and their chaperones. 

Steve Harvey and actor Lamman Rucker surprise a group of Dreamers during an acting workshop.

TV personality Terrence J, from BET’s “106 and Park,” hosted a celebrity panel  featuring singer/rapper Sean Kingston, supermodel Selita Ebanks, actor Lamman Rucker and president of BET Networks Stephen Hill. 

 Registration for Disney’s Dreamers Academy normally runs from July through October. To nominate your child or someone you know please visit, www.DisneysDreamersAcademy.com.

Winks & Smiles,

Disclosure: My travel and accommodations were provided by Disney; as always me thoughts, opinions, and in this case my DREAMS, are all my own.

Photo credit photographer Phelan Ebenhack