The 2012 Disney’s Dreamers Academy will take place March 8-11, 2012, at Walt Disney World Resort, near Orlando in central Florida.

Delaware-area student in the Class of 2012 Disney’s Dreamers Academy:

• Aliyah Hodge, 16 years old – Delcastle Technical High School (New Castle, DE) –  I’m a junior at Delcastle Technical High School in Wilmington, Delaware.  I was born in Norfolk, VA but currently reside in New Castle, DE.  My career area is Chemical Laboratory.  I am currently a member of Student Council, National Honor Society, and Girl Scouts, and am the Boys Varsity Basketball team manager.  I volunteer at the Delaware Humane Society and take part in many other volunteer opportunities.  When I graduate in 2013 I will go to college to get my Pharm. D and become a research scientist so I can work on the cure for diabetes.  I chose diabetes because I am affected by it firsthand - almost everyone on my mom and my dad’s side has it.

This year marks a historic milestone for Disney’s Dreamer’s Academy – the fifth anniversary of the program. More than 500 students will have explored the magic behind Disney at the culmination of the 2012 commencement.

“We are thrilled to announce this new class of 100 unique Dreamers who will graduate from the Academy with a whole new perspective on their future,” said Tracey Walters-Powell, executive champion of the program for Disney Parks & Resorts. “We received more applications this year than any other and we have selected an amazing class for this historic fifth year anniversary of the Dreamers Academy.”

“I’ve been with Dreamers Academy from day one and each year the program gets stronger as we add new interactive and experiential components for these students, so to hit the five-year mark is quite an accomplishment,” said Steve Harvey, who has served as Ambassador of Disney’s Dreamers Academy since the program started. “Investing and re-investing in these kids each year, you can really see the pay off as they leave the Academy and start to look at their future in a much different and much brighter light.”

Launched in 2007, Disney’s Dreamer’s Academy with Steve Harvey was developed to motivate high school students in grades 9-12 to achieve their dreams personally and professionally.  In the summer of 2010 the program was renamed Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine with the addition of Essence Communications, Inc.’s participation as a sponsor.

Essence Communications President Michelle Ebanks said, “I am not going to divulge any secrets as to what’s being planned for this important fifth anniversary, but if you know anything about Walt Disney World, you know this life-changing event is going to be a truly amazing spectacular for these students and we are proud to be a part of it.”

A celebrity panel of judges led by comedian, author, philanthropist and Disney’s Dreamers Academy Ambassador Steve Harvey reviewed more than 4,700 applications and selected the 100 students for the Class of 2012 Disney’s Dreamers Academy. Judging criteria included exhibiting curiosity, compassion and leadership skills.

For additional information and updates on the program please visit www.disneysdreamersacademy.com, like us at www.facebook.com/disneysdreamersacademy or follow us on Twitter @dreamersacademy.

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About Steve Harvey: Steve Harvey first performed stand-up comedy in the mid-1980s, which eventually led to a long stint as host of “It's Showtime at the Apollo.” His success as a stand-up comedian led to multiple TV sitcoms, including: “Me and The Boys”, “The Steve Harvey Show” and “Steve Harvey’s Big Time Challenge.” His first book, “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man” quickly became a bestseller in 2009 has been made into a motion picture which will be in theatres nationwide in April of 2012. Harvey has appeared on “The Oprah Show,” “Nightline,” “Good Morning America” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” Currently, Harvey hosts the nationally syndicated radio show “Steve Harvey Morning Show” which airs in over 60 markets and has more than 7 million listeners.  He is also the current host of the television game show Family Feud.

About Essence Communications Inc.: Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the number one media company dedicated to African-American women, with a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events, and online. The company's flagship publication, ESSENCE magazine, is the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women; generating brand extensions such as the Essence Music Festival, ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood and Black Women in Music, Window on Our Women and Smart Beauty consumer insights series, the Essence Book Club, Essence.com, and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD). For 41 years, ESSENCE, which has a brand reach of over 8 million, has been the leading source of cutting-edge information and specific solutions relating to every area of African-American women's lives.

About Walt Disney World Resort / The Walt Disney Co.: Walt Disney World Resort is a contiguous 40-square-mile, world-class entertainment and recreation center located at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 20 miles southwest of Orlando.  The Walt Disney Co. has a rich legacy of creativity and exceptional storytelling that brings families together in unique and memorable ways. Creative excellence is coupled with a strong commitment to community service and diversity. The Walt Disney Co. is dedicated to making a positive impact in communities around the world, with a primary focus on brightening the lives of children.