Southaven senior selected as sole Mississippi representative for 2026 Disney Dreamers Academy

SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — While many high school seniors are focused solely on graduation caps and gowns, Joshua, a standout student at Southaven High School, is preparing for a national stage at the “Happiest Place on Earth.”

Joshua has been named the only student from Mississippi selected to join the 100-member class of the 2026 Disney Dreamers Academy. The prestigious held at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida is designed to inspire and empower young leaders through mentorship, career workshops, and networking with industry professionals.

The Power of the Pen and the Lens

The selection process for the Academy is famously rigorous, drawing thousands of applicants from across the United States. Unlike many collegiate programs, Disney Dreamers Academy focuses on the individual’s story rather than transcripts.

“They just judge you based on your writing,” Joshua said, noting that the application required no GPA or test scores. “I believe they chose me because I talked about my passion in photography and representation. I talked about how much I relate to some of the characters Disney has made stories about.”

Joshua’s creative journey began as a sophomore at the Career Tech Center-West in Horn Lake. Though he initially entered the multimedia program with an interest in acting, he quickly discovered a love for being behind the lens. In March 2024, he turned that passion into a business, launching lensofjoshua.

“Everything I do is really based on representation and telling those stories that deserve to be in the spotlight today,” he explained.

Dreaming Big in Orlando

Scheduled for March 27–29, the Academy offers Joshua the chance to learn from Disney’s world-class creative directors and photographers. He intends to document the journey through his own camera, building his portfolio while gaining insights into cinematography and film production.

Joining him on the trip as a chaperone will be his mother, Erika Haynes.

Looking ahead, Joshua sees his photography business expanding into a career in professional cinematography and film, with a dream of touring with artists and documenting stories globally. For his peers in Mississippi who may feel that such national opportunities are out of reach, his advice is simple:

“Go for it,” Joshua said. “You never know what’s out there and what doors can be open. Please make sure that you enjoy high school, but also pursue those opportunities that will help you in your future.”