Assisting elderly family members, fostering acceptance among schoolmates, and helping others learn from their health challenges are just a few ways Central Florida students are using their kindness and resilience to inspire others at home, school and in their communities.

In recognition of their character and exceptional achievements, Walt Disney World Resort is honoring 15 local students as 2016 Disney Dreamers and Doers Shining Stars.This year, nearly 400 students in Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk and Seminole counties were chosen by their school principals as Disney Dreamers and Doers for their character and personal achievements. From this year’s Disney Dreamers and Doers, 15 Shining Stars were selected as the best of the best from among them.

“For more than 30 years, Walt Disney World Resort has applauded the compassion, creativity and hard work of youth in our communities,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of corporate citizenship at Walt Disney World Resort. “Disney Dreamers and Doers Shining Stars are putting action behind their words to make their families, schools and communities better for one another and our world.”

Honorees, accompanied by their families, will be recognized during an IllumiNations Dessert Party at Epcot on June 4. In addition, they will receive a Mickey Mouse statue known as a “Mousecar,” a gold medallion and annual theme park passes for themselves and their immediate family.

The 2016 Disney Dreamers and Doers Shining Stars are:

Lake County

  • Ryan Boyd, Groveland Elementary School, 4thgrade
  • Tyler LaBelle, Windy Hill Middle School, 7thgrade
  • Reaghan Wooster, Tavares High School, 12thgrade

Orange County

  • Bryce Drayton, Apopka Elementary School, 5thgrade
  • Cortez Fisher, Central Florida Leadership Charter Academy, 8thgrade
  • Tomas Castorani Correa, Magnolia School, 10thgrade

Osceola County

  • Ayden Nadler, Harmony Community School, 5thgrade
  • Haley Steidley, Trinity Lutheran School, 8thgrade
  • Carla Rivera, New Dimensions High School, 11thgrade

Polk County

  • Markayla Wesley, Caldwell Elementary School, 5thgrade
  • Joshua Bowen, Lakeland Highlands Middle School, 8thgrade
  • Chanel Jackson, Kathleen High School, 11thgrade

Seminole County

  • Kristen Spennemann, Lake Mary Preparatory Elementary School, 3rdgrade
  • Kaitlyn Boyle, Greenwood Lakes Middle School, 7thgrade
  • Emma McDonald, Lake Howell High School, 12thgrade

Over the years, Walt Disney World Resort has recognized nearly 14,000 students as Disney Dreamers and Doers since this program began in 1984.