A Poolesville High School student is hoping to inspire others across Montgomery County after being selected for a highly competitive national program that brings together some of the most driven students in the country. Marshall Friedman, a junior at Poolesville High School, was recently chosen as one of just 100 students nationwide to attend the Disney Dreamers Academy, a program that typically accepts around one percent of applicants.
Friedman said the experience went far beyond what he expected, leaving a lasting impact on how he views himself and his future. “The Academy was amazing, and I think it reshaped my views and the way I think about myself,” Friedman said. “They really focused on helping us ‘maximize your moment’ and appreciate who you are and your own story.”
While the program included workshops and speakers, Friedman said the people he met were what stood out most. “Pretty much every student I met was amazing, both in terms of their accomplishments and their personalities,” he said. Unlike many competitive programs, the Disney Dreamers Academy does not require transcripts or GPAs, instead focusing on personal stories and individuality. Friedman said that approach created a unique environment filled with students from diverse backgrounds across the country.
“Montgomery County is incredibly diverse, but this experience was another level in a way that was so educational and transformative,” he said, adding that he left with friendships from across the U.S. that he otherwise never would have formed. The experience also included time to unwind, with participants enjoying the parks while balancing the program’s educational components. “A free trip to Disney, lightning lanes and all, is never disappointing,” Friedman said. “We were there for the workshops and the learning experience, but we were also there for an experience we wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.”
When it came to his application, Friedman said authenticity was key. He focused on connecting his personal story with his accomplishments, including writing about testifying before Maryland’s House of Representatives and how his experiences shaped that decision. “I tried to be as authentic to my true self as possible,” he said. “I didn’t try to make my application overly polished or professional.”
Friedman also credits Poolesville High School’s Global Ecology magnet program for helping shape his academic interests, particularly in policy, which he began exploring more deeply through coursework. Looking ahead, he hopes to pursue a career in law, with a focus on helping others and sharing his own story, though he acknowledges his path may evolve.
For now, he’s balancing academics and extracurricular commitments by focusing on moderation and avoiding burnout, emphasizing the importance of asking for help and taking breaks when needed. His advice to other students considering opportunities like the Disney Dreamers Academy is simple. “Just apply and see what happens, and do it from a place of authenticity,” Friedman said. “You never know who’s going to say yes.”
