Disneyland Resort Dreamers and Doers recognizes high school students in Orange County who take actions to improve their communities, schools, and homes. Each year, students are nominated by their schools and apply to be recognized for making a difference. On February 25, 2017, over 30 students attended an educational symposium at the Disneyland Hotel where they creatively worked as a team to problem solve and engaged in presentations that focused on leadership and professional development. The students then went to a celebratory luncheon where they were individually recognized and awarded a $1,000 grant for their school.
During the luncheon, five students were announced as “Luminaries” for showing outstanding service within the community. Among the five Luminaries was San Juan Hills High School junior Dalton Bourne. Dalton wanted to prevent the students at his school from texting while driving, so he began a safe driving initiative. He created phone pouches that read, “On the Road, Off the Phone” and handed them to over 400 students. Students would place their phones in the pouches prior to driving to prevent them from looking at their phones while on the road.
As a Luminary recipient, Dalton was provided the opportunity to donate a $3,000 grant to an Orange County nonprofit organization of his choice. Before being acknowledged as a Luminary, Dalton already knew which nonprofit to which he would donate the grant. On the application he submitted, he wrote, “If I was given the opportunity to support a local organization, I would choose Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano. This is a non-profit organization in my community that helps give less-privileged students tutoring and college counseling support… I am thankful for the opportunity that this organization gave [my good friend] and I would love to support it so it can continue to change the lives of many teens in my community.”
On April 4, 2017, San Juan Capistrano Mayor Kerry Ferguson recognized Dalton’s achievements during the City Council meeting. Gina Welch, Disneyland Resort Corporate Citizenship Program Manager, presented the award to Dalton and recognized Breakthrough SJC. Director Victor Cota accepted the Luminary grant while several Breakthrough students and parents applauded from the audience. We are honored that Dalton chose to donate the grant to Breakthrough.
Thank you Dalton and the Disneyland Resort Dreamers and Doers program for awarding the grant to Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano. The Luminary grant will support us in fulfilling our mission and will have a direct impact on our students.