Meet the DMV Disney Dreamers – Class of 2026

Disney Dreamers Academy Class of 2026

They want to be doctors and scientists, lawyers and activists, artists, entrepreneurs and engineers—and so much more. They’re young people like you who dream like you. Let their stories inspire you and maybe next year, you’ll be among the names below! #Be100


Jonathan Baxter – Springfield, VA  9th Grade

Jonathan Baxter

I enjoy playing sports such as soccer, tennis, and golf and I volunteer at my local library and help out in my community. I also enjoy watching films such as Star Wars and Marvel with my family and friends. My dream is to one day become an engineer and hopefully become a Disney Imagineer and help spread joy around the world. I have always enjoyed working with my hands and building things that make others happy.


Marshall Friedman – Germantown, MD  11th Grade

Marshall Friedman

I'm a member of my schools Global Ecology program (GESP), which focuses on teaching its students environmental advancement and activism. As a GESP and Poolesville student, I'm passionate about law, government, history, and their relation to environmental issues. My future goals are to attend undergrad for public policy, and later attend law school. I'm involved in local/state politics, my school History Bowl team, as well as local nonprofits and organizations. As the president and founder of an environmental organization, our team has raised $2.5K+ for local environmental causes!


Rhyan Gray – Windsor Mill, MD  12th Grade

Rhyan Gray

I’m 17 years old, from Baltimore, Maryland, current Senior scholar- athlete at the Bryn Mawr School for Girls, where I have been challenged to think critically, lead boldly, and use my voice with purpose. I am service-oriented and proud member of the Black Student Union, a Leadership Ambassador for St. Jude and Alumni Ambassador for Art with a Heart. I founded Girls Who Tutor, a student-led tutoring and mentoring initiative recently recognized with an Executive Citation. As a B.E.S.T. and MERIT Scholar, I aspire to pursue a career in medicine while creating lasting impact through service and leadership.

Joseph Harrison IV – Brandywine, MD  11th Grade

Joseph Harrison IV

I'm a junior at Georgetown Preparatory School, with a passion for leadership, service, visual art, and international business. I’m a member of National Art Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and the Student Liaison for the Black Student Association. Additionally, I’m a member of the First Tee of Greater Washington Golf Club, and the National Harbor Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., where I serve as the Teen Sergeant-At-Arms. My achievements include the Dean’s List, Scholastic Art & Writing Regional Gold Key and National Silver Medal, Congressional Art award, and several academic-based leadership programs.

Kofi Hair-Ralston – Baltimore, MD  11th Grade

Kofi Hair-Ralston

After sending hundreds cold emails to land my first research internship, I learned that dreams require relentless optimism. That lesson led me to start VenturEd, a global opportunity platform that's connected over 9,700 underrepresented young adults to jobs and guided 400+ Fellows from 39 countries into their first internships. At school, I lead the lobbying club and serve as co-head of the school newspaper. My dream is to become a venture investor who backs the founders others overlook - the ones who might not have the pedigrees, but excel in vision. I believe talent can come from anywhere, and it's our job to create spaces where anyone can realize their dreams.

Alani Jordan – Laurel, MD  9th Grade

Alani Jordan

I’m a passionate scholar-athlete and a former Sports Illustrated Kids Reporter. I aspire to become a Formula 1 engineer focused on sustainability in motorsports. At school, I co-lead S.O.L. (Latine/Caribbean club) and I participate in Rocketry Club. I’m also a member of OBAP and NSBE Jr. I play varsity soccer and represent Saint Kitts and Nevis on the Women’s National Team. I'm the founder of Thrifty Nifty Athletics Inc., and I’ve collected 500+ sports bras and gear to donate and empower girls in sports worldwide.


Rushil Kukreja – Falls Church, VA  12th Grade

Rushil Kukreja

I’m a 16-year-old from Falls Church, Virginia building sustainable technology and advocating for environmental policy. After learning about the link between light pollution and breast cancer, I founded Princia, an initiative that’s since grown to 250 advocates, won $15,000 for research, and presented at the United Nations. I also serve as the President of four clubs at my school and developed StarLaunch, a machine-learning powered app to make rocketry more accessible for younger students nationwide. My dream is to use my passion for sustainability to brighten our futures while dimming the lights.

Naomi Mahanyu – Frederick, MD  10th Grade

Naomi Mahanyu

I love taking challenging math courses and competing on the Science Olympiad team to grow myself in STEM. I am passionate about inclusivity, kindness, and the power of self-confidence— values I am excited to promote as a dermatologist! In the future, I hope to start up my own cosmetic dermatology practice. Outside of school, I love to read, style hair, and volunteer at my local art center. While striving to help others feel at home in their own skin, I will place my trust in God’s guidance.

Domenique Sexton – Chesapeake, VA  9th Grade  (*)

Domenique Sexton

I am currently a sophomore at Grassfield High School in Chesapeake, Virginia where I’m in the Governor's STEM Academy. I value playing soccer, traveling, and spending quality time with my loved ones. I have a dream of majoring in Sports Management/Administration, paving my own path as a woman in sports. Some extracurriculars I’m involved in include, Jack & Jill of America Inc.,Tidewater Student Advisory Council, and SCA. I have done school supply and book donations drives for a homeless shelter in my local area called ForKids, as well as being involved in VICYC for The AME Zion Church.


Kayley Simms – Colonial Heights, VA  11th Grade  (**)

Kayley Simms

I'm involved with my school's tennis team, Academic Challenge Team, and FCCLA. I have a strong passion for helping animals. My dream is being able to work with animals as a zoologist. After graduating high school, I want to further my studies at either Virginia Tech and/or North Carolina State majoring in Wildlife Conservation. I believe in protecting the environment to provide a better future for all wildlife.

(*)  3 Hours from DC

(**) 2 Hours from DC

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