2003 Team All-Star Winners


See how these winners of the first-ever Disney Adventures All-Star contest
showed their character.

Meet the Disney Adventures All-Stars! Picked from 3,325 entries and judged by a panel of experts - including the cast of Disney Channel's Lizzie McGuire - these kids all made a difference in their communities. Read on to see what they had to say about working hard to help others. (Hint: It makes you feel great!)

A sixth-grade social studies class at Stell Middle School in Brownsville, Texas, saw a problem with the streets surrounding their school. The sidewalks were so muddy that students had to walk in the streets - not safe!

When they studied the problem with their teacher, Mr. Martin Leal, the kids also found that there were no proper speed bumps, ramps or traffic lines in the road. The class, led by Xochilth R., 12, Israel A., 13, Nayelli P., 12, Rolando C., 13, Erica G., 13, and Rogelio G., 13, presented the situation to the mayor and the City Council, and the city agreed to fix the problem. Go team!

What was the first thing you did to tackle the project?
Xochilth R.:
We had to do research, so we got the policy for the sidewalks and streets from City Hall. The policy was fine, but it wasn't being enforced well.

Was the project difficult to do?
Xochilth R.:
In the beginning it was, when we thought it wouldn't work. It seemed like we had nothing done, but little by little, we made progress.

Was the end result more than what you imagined?
Xochilth R.:
Yes, even for Mr. Leal. He didn't think we could get this far - we showed him!
Mr. Leal: The original plan was to fix the mud from running off the sidewalks and plant grass. And they did much more! They never gave up. They're all heart.

How do you feel now that you've completed the Team All-Star project?
Erica G.:
We feel very proud of ourselves - it's awesome.
Mr. Leal: Erica went outside when they started installing the speed bumps and said, "Wow, they listened to what we said." An 11-year-old got a big city to listen to her. That's a big deal.

How was it working as a team?
Rolando C.:
We used our individual strengths. For example, Rogelio [G.] did the artwork and Israel [A.] contacted people.

What would you say to kids who are thinking about volunteering?
Rogelio G.:
I'd highly recommend it - kids can help their community and make it safe and more efficient.
Xochilth R.: I'd say - kids can make a difference.

Is that your class motto?
Israel A.:
No, it's "Watch out for that car!"