LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Teens learned about the value of self-image along with showcasing on the third day of the Disney Dreamers Academy on Saturday.
The day started with a surprise for one of the teens. Te’Lario Watkins II, 16, from Blacklick, Ohio, thought he was in the middle of a media interview when ‘Shark Tank’ investor and successful businessman Daymond John made a surprise appearance and delivered the personal invitation to visit the ABC show set in Los Angeles.
Since he was 7 years old, Watkins has run his own small business, Tiger Mushroom Farms, which cultivates gourmet mushrooms and sells dry mushroom products. Additionally, he is the founder of a non-profit called the Garden Club Project, which addresses food insecurities in his community.
“That was a big surprise,” Watkins said. “[I’m] truly excited for the opportunity. There are just so many emotions I can’t put them into words.”
John said he hopes inviting Watkins to the show will help him on his journey in entrepreneurship.
“There’s nothing that can stop him because he’s a Dream. I just hope I was a little part of his dream,” John said. “I would hope that bringing him out to ‘Shark Tank’ will continue his road to success.”
Later in the day, teens participated in an image makeover session with Disney Communications Specialist Raevon Redding and fashion designer Jérôme LaMaar. During the session, several students received makeovers and learned about the value of presentation and perfecting their brand.
The teens attended the “Empowerment Hour” in the afternoon, where they heard from four-time Olympic gold medal track star Sanya Richards-Ross, paralympic athlete Trevon Jenifer and anthropologist, educator, author, museum director and the first Black female president of Spelman College, Dr. Johnetta Cole.
In the evening, the teen celebrated their final night at the Academy with a party featuring music by Rapper, TV and radio personality DJ Big Tigger. One of the students, Kyla Marie Griffith of Queens, NY who is an aspiring DJ, got private meet and greet with Big Tigger and was invited to assist him in deejaying the party.
The Dreamers Academy came to a close on Sunday with a commencement ceremony. The students reflected on what they’ve learned over the weekend before bidding one final farewell and going home.
This is the 17th year of Disney Dreamers Academy, a four-day mentoring program designed to broaden career awareness and create opportunities for 100 Black high school students and teens from underrepresented communities across America each year.
Disclosure: The Walt Disney Company paid for the travel and accommodations for several media outlets, including the AmNews, to cover the Disney Dreamers Academy. Disney did not review or approve any of our coverage.