From aspiring biochemical engineers and mathematicians to music education teachers and nurses, the local high school seniors selected as 2018 Disney Scholars promise to shape the future of tomorrow through their exceptional character, compassion, and commitment.
This year, 35 local students and children of Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members are among the 2018 Disney Scholars and are the proud recipients of tuition scholarships up to $20,000. These exceptional high school seniors are selected from a large pool of applicants due to their academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community service and demonstrated leadership. They join 65 other recently-honored Disney Scholars selected from other Walt Disney Company sites across the globe.
“We are incredibly proud of these students,” said Elissa Margolis, senior vice president, Enterprise Social Responsibility for The Walt Disney Company. “And, we are happy that the Company can help them create a brighter future for themselves and their world while opening new doors for them to pursue their dreams.”
Each year, the unique Disney Scholars Program awards 100 tuition scholarships of up $5,000 per year, over four years to high school seniors who plan to attend accredited, degree-granting colleges, universities or technical/trade schools in the next academic year. This program is open to children of full-time permanent Disney Cast Members and employees around the world.
“It means a lot that Disney offers programs like these to my family,” said Eileen Buckles, administrative support for Disney’s Water Parks & Miniature Golf and mother of a 2018 Disney Scholar recipient. “They are investing in the future of my children and helping make my daughter’s dream come true.”
The Disney Scholars Program is just one of many ways Disney supports student education throughout Central Florida’s five counties. Other contributions include annual cash and in-kind donations to school districts and education-focused nonprofits, individual recognition of outstanding students through the Disney Dreamers and Doers program, support for Teacher of the Year recognition and other classroom volunteerism around Central Florida.
