LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., May 14, 2009 - They raise money for orphanages and create blankets for the homeless. They volunteer to sing at nursing homes and spearhead food drives. They support children going through chemotherapy trying to overcome cancer and crusade to prevent child abuse. And they do it all with can-do attitudes.

These are some of the traits that describe the nearly 400 local students recognized as 2009 Disney Dreamers and Doers. Of those, 15 earned additional accolades by earning the award’s top honor – distinction as Shining Stars.

Disney Dreamers and Doers rewards outstanding students who are improving their communities through volunteer service in Central Florida. Nominees are submitted by schools throughout Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk and Seminole counties and chosen by panel comprised of community leaders and Walt Disney World Cast Members.

The recipients of the 2009 Disney Dreamers and Doers Shining Star Award include:


Orange County
Elementary School: Jillian Ortner, Sunrise Elementary School
Middle School: Natalia Rivera, St. Charles Borromeo School
High School: Jeanine Sinanan-Singh, Trinity Prep


Osceola County
Elementary School: Joshua Almonte, Ventura Elementary School
Middle School: Dominic St. Germaine, Kissimmee Charter Academy
High School: Amber Pettit, Harmony High School

Lake County
Elementary School: Meagan Dickson, Cypress Ridge Elementary
Middle School: Chandler Watkins, Carver Middle School
High School: Lacey Morgan, Leesburg High School

Polk County
Elementary School: Shelby Fallin, Griffin Elementary School
Middle School: Patrick Davis,Southwest Middle School
High School: Ashley Greene, Ridge Community High School

Seminole County
Elementary School: Branson Mann, Sweetwater Episcopal Academy
Middle School: Raevon Redding, Tuskawilla Middle School
High School: Lauren Snyder, Paul J. Haggerty High School

All Disney Dreamers and Doers receive four theme park tickets, a certificate and a special pin. In addition, the 15 Disney Shining Star Award recipients receive a Mickey Mouse statue along with Walt Disney World Annual Passes for themselves and their immediate families.

Now in its 26th year, more than 11,000 students in Central Florida have been recognized as Disney Dreamers and Doers.

Good for Disney

Nice for the awardees -- they clearly deserve this honor