With perseverance, positivity, and a love for Disney, she made her dream come true.
Osceola County teen Kaylee Pickford, was selected as a member of the Disney Dreamers Academy Class of 2025. She’s one of only 100 chosen from tens of thousands of hopeful high school applicants seeking to be a part of the prestigious program.
She said the process started last year when a Disney representative visited her AVID class at Celebration High School.
“He highly encouraged me to apply to the Disney Dreamers Academy and I went home and researched the whole program,” said Pickford. “I actually dedicated the entire month of July to working on my application and I was writing whenever I felt inspired.”
Founded in 2008, Disney Dreamers Academy is a highly selective mentorship program for ambitious U.S. high school students to explore career aspirations and leadership skills. The multi-day event is held yearly at Walt Disney World Resort and gives students the opportunity to network with professionals and likeminded peers. Pickford, a community volunteer and singer, had already been a part of Disney through her advanced chorus group. For two years, they performed at Disney’s Candlelight Processional. Pickford reflected on Disney storytelling in her application essay, recounting her favorite movie, Tangled.
“I was able to say how I really admire Rapunzel for being the dreamer she is.”
Yet it was a more personal experience that inspired Pickford. Part of her essay detailed her father’s recent cancer diagnosis and how he motivated her to have a positive outlook “Even if he’s going for treatment, he’s cheered me on to pursue what I want to do, “ Pickford said. “He was like, ‘You can do anything you put your mind to.’” “She takes on challenges head-on, even when things are difficult,” said Pickford’s mother, Julie Pickford. “She’s always been the type to dream big and work hard, so I encouraged her to go for it.”
The Disney Dreamers Academy sent Pickford the coveted blue acceptance folder in the mail. After celebrating the news, she connected with other Dreamers in preparation for the program. Pickford and her mother are set to stay in a Disney hotel from March 26 - 30 for the all-expenses- paid immersive experience.
Dreamers walk in a Disney parade and attend workshops and seminars conducted by Disney executives, educators, and celebrities in various career fields. Previous guest speakers include gospel music star Yolanda Adams, Essence magazine Editor-at-Large Mikki Taylor, ballet dancer Aesha Ash, and NBA legend Magic Johnson.
Pickford can’t wait to attend. ”I just love the Disney energy and their whole mission. This is a dream come true to be a part of actually doing something big for Disney.”
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I know she will make the most of it,” her mother agrees.
The idea of walking in the footsteps of Walt Disney, who is the heart of the program, is inspiring to Pickford.
“Walt Disney always believed in making the impossible possible,” she said. “It proves that dreams can become reality along with hard work and determination.”
Pickford, an aspiring meteorologist, is interested in mentoring the Disney Dreamers Academy in the future. Her message for prospective Dreamers is, “People are so capable of so much more than you realize and if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything you want to. Believe in yourself.”
