Melissa Donovan
When she was young, Kaylee Pickford said she was terrified of the rain, yet fascinated by the weather.
“I would always tell my dad, ‘I want to be that person on TV!’—the one delivering the forecast and keeping everyone informed,” the 17-year-old Disney Dreamer from Kissimmee said.
As she approaches college applications and begins to think further about her future and career path, Pickford said she sees her dream of becoming a meteorologist turn into reality. She was recently accepted into the Disney Dreamers Academy, where she’ll be able to network with those in her desired field and other up-and-coming students.
The Disney Dreamers Academy brings students from across the country to engage in a mentoring experience with industry professionals to learn more about their career paths and become future leaders. They will participate in workshops to hone their communication, networking and leadership skills. The academy is running from March 26-30.
Along with Pickford, five other Central Florida high school students were accepted into the Disney Dreamers Academy. The Dreamers will be making an appearance on Thursday at a celebratory parade at Walt Disney World alongside actor Tyler James Williams from “Abbott Elementary.”
“Out of thousands of applicants, only 100 students were chosen, and to be one of just six from Orlando is incredible. I feel honored to represent my city and show that big dreams really can come true,” Pickford said. “I think this opportunity is so important for the Central Florida community because it serves as a reminder that no matter where you come from, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”
Pickford said she was inspired to apply to the academy when a guest speaker from Disney, Shaun Coppola, came to visit AVID, a program she is a part of in school. She said Coppola encouraged her specifically to apply.
For Pickford, she said she is eager to explore the world of broadcast and storytelling while building confidence in her communication skills. Ultimately, she said she hopes to make a difference either in reporting on the weather or telling impactful stories.
“That’s something my dad told me when I was applying: “You can do anything you put your mind to.” Now, here I am, living proof of that belief,” Pickford said. “I hope my journey inspires other students in Orlando to go after their dreams, no matter how big they seem. Perseverance, passion, and belief in yourself can open doors you never even imagined.”
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