Disney program to help Stark pair navigate their dreams

Walt Disney had a dream to draw cartoons.

His small animation company would grow into one of the largest media company's in the world, a brand recognizable throughout the world.

Skylar Blumenauer and Nolan Pastore have big dreams, too.

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The Stark County residents will travel to Disney in March to participate in the 15th Disney Dreamers Academy, a mentoring and leadership program that aims to help attendees make their aspirations a reality.

From thousands of applications,100 teens across the U.S. are selected each year. They get an all-expense paid trip for themselves and a guardian.

Best day ever for this Fairless High student

Blumenauer, a senior at Fairless High, happened upon the Dreamers Academy while searching for scholarship opportunities.

The program didn't offer any money, but it drew Blumenauer in.

"I told my mom about it," the 17-year-old said. "They were looking for the qualities of a dreamer. An achiever."

Blumenauer fit the bill. The Massillon resident will graduate a year early and has already racked up some college credits.

Although enthusiastic about seeking out the program, life got in the way and she nearly forgot to finish the application.

As the deadline drew near in October, Blumenauer quickly finished answering the questions and filed on the last day to apply.

"It was a last-minute effort," she said. "I didn't think I would get picked."

A few months later, Blumenauer got word she would be heading to Florida.

"I'm so excited. I can't wait," she said.

The four-day mentoring event at Disney World in Orlando, features an array of guest speakers from celebrities to business and community leaders who have blazed their path to success.

Dreamers will take part in career workshops and networking and mentoring sessions. Topics include interviewing, networking and dressing for success.

Blumenauer, of Massillon, is most excited to see how she will grow after hearing the success stories of others. Former participants often return to talk with the Dreamers, she said.

"I'm excited to be my own success story," Blumenauer said.

She also is looking forward to the networking sessions. Each participant will be provided business cards they can exchange with other Dreamers and program speakers.

In the words of her favorite Disney character, Rapunzel, the experience will be "the best day ever," Blumenauer said.

After graduation, she has plans to attend college for political science with aspirations of heading to law school.

Fairless guidance counselor Aarika Vasiliades isn't surprised Blumenauer was selected.

"Not a lot of kids leave here," she said. "But Skyler she knows where she is going and what it takes to get there."

The power of dreams

During a trip to Disney, Pastore spotted a group of kids in a parade wearing matching T-shirts.

He was intrigued and learned more about the mentoring program that brought the teens together.

The 15-year-old didn't think he would be selected for the program but he answered the series of questions on the application process and hoped for the best.

Among the questions: What do you want to change or dream about?

The answer was easy. Pastore, a sophomore at Lake High School, suffers from significant hearing loss in his left ear. He was fortunate as his parents were able to secure a hearing aid for him at an early age.

"A lot of kids can't get a hearing aid because it is not covered by insurance," he said. "It's considered cosmetic."

Without the hearing aid, Pastore said. he would not be as successful in school. His speech may have been impacted.

Last year, Pastore meet with the health committee of the Ohio House of Representatives urging them to pass House Bill 198 that would require insurance companies to cover hearing aids for kids 18 and younger.

About 23 states, require insurance to cover hearing aids for kids, he said.

Both Blumenauer and Pastore are excited to be around like-minded people.

Pastore has plans to enter the technology field. While at the Dreamers Academy he will be paired with other teens seeking the same kind of experience.

Pastore and his family love Disney. His mom, Mary Pastore, was a cast member while in college. She'll accompany her son on the trip.

"This is going to be super educational with a fun twist," she said. "I heard there is a class for the parents on how to encourage your dreamer. When I worked there, it was a great experience. This is just a fantastic opportunity."

The Pastore family is having a "Disney" kind of year. Nolan will take on the role of LeFou in Lake's upcoming performance of "Beauty and the Beast. His older sister, Caroline, a senior at Lake, will be Belle.

In addition to participating in the musical, Pastore also is a member of the debate team competing in Lincoln-Douglas debates and the junior varsity tennis team. He also serves as tech support for the school's Gen-Yes technology helpline.

Pastore and Blumenauer can't wait to meet up with each other in Florida. With the stiff competition of applicants, there surprised two kids from Stark County were selected. Only four from Ohio are part of the 15th Dreamers class.

Program organizers want the dreamers to leave the four-day event as role models.

"I'm from a small town," Pastore, a Hartville resident, said. "I'm hoping to come back as a reminder that everyone dreams. That anyone with initiative can chase their goals and dreams and do something like this. It doesn't matter where you are from or your disabilities. Your dreams can come true."

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Skylar Blumenauer and Nolan Pastore picked for Disney Dreamers Academy