As the school year draws to a close, it is time to celebrate! To help celebrate the end of the school year, Stitch stopped by schools in Central Florida and surprised teachers at Hamilton Elementary, Deerwood Elementary, College Park Middle, Tavares Middle, and North Lakeland Elementary.
Along with bringing a little mischief and fun that only Stitch could bring, the visits were extra magical as teachers at the school received Walt Disney World park tickets. On top of that, Walt Disney World is also donating $500,000 to help fund local educational programs.
The donations will go to support The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, The School District of Osceola County, Lake County Schools Foundation, Polk County Schools Foundation and Seminole County Schools Foundation, along with four organizations that support youth development: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando Philharmonic, ELEVATE Orlando and A Gift for Teaching.
“We’re thrilled that Disney is making such a considerable donation to our education foundation,” said Fred Heid, Superintendent of Polk County Public Schools. “It’s exciting for me as the superintendent to be able to afford new opportunities for our students.”
Teachers and administrators from each school district were also invited to the Disney Imagination Campus for an exclusive day of Disney fun. They will also have the chance to take inspiration from the living laboratory at EPCOT to bring back to their classrooms.
“This means the world,” said Adam Cody, a Deerwood Elementary School teacher and former Monorail pilot. “It’s amazing to get the recognition from our district and Disney. There really are no words to describe how special it makes us feel.”
Cody has been teaching at Osceola County Public Schools for 25 years now. This visit from Disney helped bookend his career as an educator, as he officially retired at the end of this school year.
The visits are just the beginning of the summer fun. Walt Disney World will soon be hosting The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson at Typhoon Lagoon, collecting school supplies for Florida students during the resort’s Back-To-School Supply Drive, and more!
What do you think of this investment in the educational system and teachers in Central Florida? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
