The happiest place on earth means different things for different people, but one thing many people can agree upon is that Walt Disney World is magical. Full of beloved characters and lots of rides, Disney’s theme parks have something for everyone.
Linganore High School (LHS) student leaders got to experience this magic first hand during their trip to Orlando, Florida, for the Disney Imagination Campus’ leadership development program. This program was created by Disney to help teach middle school, high school and college students how to become the best possible leaders they can be.
From November 4 to 9, the Lancer Leadership Team, a group of different leaders in the school, including class representatives and team captains, participated in different workshops to learn various leadership skills.
According to the Class of 2026 president, Alexander Thomas, the workshops helped teach the importance of teamwork and having values as a leader.
“The leadership workshop taught me a lot about the importance of working and understanding your team,” said Thomas. “[It also taught me] what it means to have core values and following them.”
The Leadership Team got to work with Disney leaders who taught them the principles that all cast members must follow. These principles are called the 5 Keys of Excellence and include safety, courtesy, efficiency, show and inclusion. The Disney team uses these principles and applies the ideals to different aspects of their lives, such as when rides do not work or when park guests keep complaining.
The program was not just about leadership, however. A part of the curriculum centered around teamwork and how to collaborate with others.
“I learned what it means to compromise and what it means to work together with people that you are not quite familiar with in order to keep the group functioning,” said LHS sophomore Cindy Kakanou. “I also learned to speak up for myself and to voice my opinion whenever I am uncomfortable with something or I want to go try something out.”
The LHS students did not just have to sit through leadership lectures, though. While on the trip, they got to visit each of the parks and sometimes they even got to go twice. The leadership team even got to go shopping and some brought home souvenirs for their families and friends.
“I fueled my Stitch obsession with a couple keychains and stuffed animals, as well as a couple pins from the parks,” said Linganore senior Kailyn Nanda. “It was also a great place to get gifts for loved ones, so I had to splurge on a couple items for them.”
According to those who went on the trip, the overall experience was a lot of fun and they are excited to plan more activities for the future.
“I am not totally sure what’s going to happen next, but there are definitely some more activities and community projects in the works,” said Nanda.
