By Victoria Mejicanos
AFRO Staff Writer
vmejicanos@afro.com
A Baltimore student whose commitment to community service and educational access began during the COVID-19 pandemic has been selected as one of 100 students nationwide for the Disney Dreamers Academy Class of 2026.
Rhyan Gray is currently a senior at the Bryn Mawr School for Girls in Baltimore, and says her motivation to expand access to education is through her experience having been in both public and private school systems. Having attended public school prior to Bryn Mawr, Gray says she felt called to return to those spaces and support students who have limited resources.
“After I got my education from Bryn Mawr, I was really inclined to go back to the public schools and help them out,” said Gray. “Whether it’s to tutor them or mentor them, anything like that.”
The four-day in-person immersive program brings together students from across the country for mentorship and career exploration in an all expenses paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Throughout the program, students engage in interactive workshops and seminars led by Disney executives, educators and celebrities, designed to strengthen communication, leadership and networking skills.
Gray describes herself as “built on service” and when she’s not studying or serving her community, she’s an avid student athlete participating in volleyball and track and field. She also is a passionate photographer and acts as her school’s yearbook photographer and editor.
Her father Derris Gray, who will accompany her to the program in March, says the recognition represents more than another academic milestone.
“I’m more ecstatic about her effect on her immediate community and the people around her,” he said.
Both father and daughter expressed gratitude for Baltimore-based organizations that have supported Gray throughout her academic journey. Gray participates in the Baltimore Education Scholarship and Trust, or B.E.S.T., a program that recruits and supports Black students with demonstrated academic ability and financial need. Through the program, Gray is able to attend Bryn Mawr.
Her father says programs like these, and others she has participated in throughout her childhood acted as “catalyst” to many of her achievements.
Gray is completing her senior year of high school and plans to pursue a pre-med track in college. While she is still exploring her options, she said she has a strong interest in cardiology.