Fifth Grader Avina Harry Honored by Disney

Windermere Prep fifth grader Avina Harry was recently honored as one of 100 Disney Dreamers and Doers finalists at a special ceremony at Walt Disney World. Students were selected from fifth grade through high school for exemplifying the Disney sought-after traits of connecting with adults, constructive use of free time, character development, and compassion.

An independent committee of community leaders and Disney Cast Members reviewed the applications in the selection of the finalists. Avina was nominated by her teachers for a number of reasons. She has been on the Honor Roll since in Kindergarten at WPS, and has been on the Headmasters List all three quarters this year. She is a member of the WPS band, and also studies oboe privately with Barbara Levy, the principal oboe player for the Orlando Concert Band. Avina is also a member of Girl Scout Troop 2060, which meets at WPS, and participates in the Duke University Talent Identification Program.

“She is respected by her peers and teachers,” said Cynthia Schaefer, WPS Dean of Students. “Classmates naturally go to her for encouragement, help, or just a shoulder.  She is well-liked by all, and her morals and ethics are constantly displayed.”

Avina is a student of Bharatiya Vidya Sansthhaan (Institute of Indian Knowledge), where she has learned to sing in Hindi and play the harmonium under teacher Surabhi Adesh.

An avid dancer, for the past seven years Avina has not only been a student at Central Florida ballet school, appearing in various roles in their Christmas production of “The Nutcracker;” but she has also studies Guyanese ethnic dancing at Maya’s School of Dance and has performed with them, to raise money to build temples and purchase food, clothing and essential supplies for flood victims in Guyana.

An animal lover, Avina reads to dogs monthly at the West Oaks Library.  These are specially trained therapy dogs who visit children in hospitals and residents of nursing homes. Avina along with her dog Nala, rescued seven abandoned newborn kittens.  She took care of these kittens and all seven kittens survived and were adopted by loving families.  She also has been known to rescue injured birds and stranded turtles, taking care of them and later releasing them in a suitable environment. She hopes to someday become a Veterinarian and work for the SPCA.

          In her free time when she isn’t rescuing animals, she enjoys swimming, horseback riding, and reading.

Celebrating Avina's Harry's recognition as a Disney Dreamer and Does are Windermere Prep Headmaster Donna Montague-Russell; WPS Dean of Students Cynthia Schaefer; Minnie Mouse; Houston, Texas native and Disney Representative Lowell Doringo; Avina; Mickey Mouse; Gravette, Arkansas native and Disney Representative Michael Kelley; and American Idol season three, second place finalistDiana DeGarmo.