Two Brothers: One Disney Dream

Jennifer Reppond Start Date: Oct 23, 2025 - End Date: Dec 1, 2025
  • Orlando, FL, United States of America

My Travel Story

by: Jennifer Reppond Start Date: Oct 23, 2025 - End Date: Dec 1, 2025
Help us Help our exchange students, Johnny and Tommy, Record at Disney! 

Johnny and Tommy traveled thousands of miles from their home in Seoul, South Korea to study in Texas. Their parents made an enormous sacrifice—not just financially but emotionally—to give their sons an opportunity to experience American education and culture at a Private Christian school. It’s a long way from home, and yet both boys have embraced every challenge and opportunity with grace, determination, and heart.

Tommy has been in the U.S. for a year and a half, and Johnny joined him three months ago. In that short time, they’ve become a beloved part of our school family—and a special part of our personal family as well, as their host family. Over time, they’ve truly become like our own sons. We’ve seen firsthand their kindness, humor, respectfulness, and work ethic. They give their best to everything they do, and they enrich the lives of everyone who meets them.

Both are outstanding students. Tommy was inducted into the National Honor Society during his first year here, and both boys joined 4-H to learn and contribute to their new community—Tommy even serves as a club officer. They’ll also be participating in county fairs this school year, living out their values of hard work, service, and growth.

Their parents have taken on a heavy financial burden to support both sons in their studies abroad, but they believe deeply in their children’s future. As their host family, we want to make sure they experience the fullness of this incredible journey.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

This spring, our band has been given an incredible honor: the chance to travel to Walt Disney World Resort and record in an official Disney studio for a Disney project. For many students, this is a bucket-list opportunity—a rare glimpse behind the scenes of how professional music is created.

For Johnny and Tommy, it’s even more. Both came to the U.S. already talented musicians—Tommy on flute and Johnny on trumpet—but marching band was entirely new to them. From the moment they joined, they threw themselves into learning the steps, mastering the formations, and memorizing new music. What could have been overwhelming became something they excelled at through their determination and hard work. Their enthusiasm and commitment have inspired their classmates and earned the respect of their director.

They’ve also experienced a cherished American tradition: Friday Night Lights. Week after week, whether at home or traveling more than two hours away, Johnny and Tommy march with the band, support the team, and embrace the energy of high school football. These experiences have shaped their year abroad in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.

Personal Moments That Inspire

Tommy has been around our family for about a year, and he and our son became fast friends when he began attending our school. Over time, he’s become woven into the fabric of our family life. Last year he even met our extended family, and this year when my parents came to visit, something unforgettable happened.

We told Tommy and Johnny he could call my parents “Mimi” and “Papa” — the same as our kids. When my parents were leaving, Tommy bowed respectfully, as he always does, and when Mimi reached out to shake his hand, he surprised her with a hug. He then asked shyly if it was okay to call her Mimi because “he didn’t have a Mimi here.” She was delighted. Moments like that remind us how beautifully he and Johnny have become part of our lives.

Both boys have formed strong bonds with classmates and teachers. Tommy made friends within his first week, and when Johnny arrived, he fit right in too. They’ve embraced life on our small family farm, learning to care for chickens, cows, and dogs — and learning that living with the “shop teacher” (my husband) means there’s always a new project going on. Their joy in learning, their openness, and their respect for others have touched many people.

This trip represents more than travel—it’s about belonging. High school is a time when kids are figuring out who they are and being left behind while their classmates experience something so special would be deeply disappointing. We want them to feel included in every way.

Why We’re Asking for Your Help

The cost of the trip is $1,900 per student, totaling $3,800 for both brothers. This includes airfare, hotel accommodations, meals, park attractions, and other required trip expenses.

As a family, we’re also raising funds to send our own son on this trip. While we’re doing everything we can, we simply can’t cover all three costs alone. With your help, Johnny and Tommy can stand alongside their classmates in that Disney studio and experience something truly unforgettable.

✅ Every donation, big or small, brings them one step closer.
  • Orlando, FL, United States of America