Eight Joshua Academy students surprised with Disney World trip

EVANSVILLE — Chants and cheers filled Joshua Academy Charter School on Tuesday, Nov. 3, before eight sixth-grade students learned they had earned a trip to Walt Disney World.

The surprise announcement marked the school’s first time participating in Cops Connecting with Kids in its more than 20-year history. The students will travel to Orlando, Florida, in January 2027 for an all-expenses-paid experience that couples the excitement of Disney World with an opportunity to build relationships with local police officers.

The celebration opened with the Purple Aces Silver Sneakers leading chants and cheers to get students excited. Students then stood to recite the Joshua Academy creed, affirming their identity, the power of their choices and their commitment to working hard in school.

Those themes carried into the announcement. Teachers selected students based on qualities including integrity, following rules and completing homework. School leaders emphasized that the students earned the opportunity through their actions and would be trusted to make good choices while far from home.

The selected students are Jamia, Curtis, Zoe, Donquil, Allanah, Walyns, Nora and Semaj.

The trip will include airfare, luggage, T-shirts, meals and drinks at no cost for the students. Two school staff members and two police officers will accompany them.

Beyond the rides and attractions, Cops Connecting with Kids aims to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities officers serve. Since 2014, the program has served students in the Tri-State Area including Evansville, Henderson, and Princeton.

In a statement announcing the partnership, Arveneda McDonald, Joshua Academy’s head of school and executive director, described the trip as a historic moment for the school. She said the experience offers students a chance to build positive relationships with law enforcement outside potentially negative or traumatic encounters.

Joshua Academy is a public charter school serving kindergarten through sixth grade. Its approach emphasizes academic achievement, character development and community partnerships.

For the eight students who were surprised on Tuesday, the celebration offered recognition for the choices they have already made — and an invitation to carry those lessons into a new adventure.