DAPs Magic Disney News – PRESS RELEASE
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The US Air Force Academy Way of Life Alumni Group hosted the Service Academy Graduates Super Reunion II at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort August 8-11, 2012.
The Super Reunion II conference honored service academy graduates who broke race and color barriers in their professional career and community. The event surpassed its predecessor, the Inaugural Black Service Academy Grads Super Reunion in 2010, extending an invitation to African-American, Hispanic, Asian-American, Pacific-Islander, and Native American graduates from each of the 5 US military service academies. Distinguished military guests included the Original Tuskegee Airmen and the Montford Point Marines.
Broadening its impact, Super Reunion II offered middle and high school students a chance to learn and engage at the conference through its Youth Inspiration Day, a seminar focused on building leadership and enhancing students’ chances for success. The seminar provided teen oriented sessions, featured a Youth Inspiration Luncheon, and offered opportunities for students to learn more about each service academy. Sessions explored opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The Youth Inspiration Luncheon served as the pinnacle for the Youth Inspiration Day, featuring guest speaker Captain Barrington Irving, the youngest and first African American pilot to fly solo around the world and Founder/CEO of Experience Aviation INC., and Sons of Mystro, an African-American musical duo, as entertainment. During their performance, the Sons of Mystro turned the spotlight over to the audience, inviting students to dance onstage alongside familiar songs. Captain Barrington Irving and the Sons of Mystro encouraged students to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence.
Participants of the Youth Inspiration Day included 150 middle and high school students from many local organizations, including the Central Florida Urban League and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida.