Westchester Students Experience Disney Magic with Disney Artist

Westchester students had a magical experience on Thursday, March 13, as Disney artist Marie Sarich visited their 2nd-grade classes. Marie was in town for the Westchester Grandparents and Special Friends Day event, which was held earlier this week with her granddaughter, Finlay.

A St. Louis native, Marie worked for local Disney Stores before being recruited to Orlando, where she has spent the past 30 years working at various Disney Parks on weekends.

During her visit, the students participated in a special version of the “’Drawin’ to Animation Class” that Marie teaches at Disney Parks. She shared the fascinating history of Walt Disney and the evolution of Mickey Mouse over the years. For example, Mickey Mouse’s original name was “Mortimer Theodore Mouse” before Walt’s wife, Lillian, suggested a simpler, shortened name and thus became “Mickey Mouse.”

The class was both educational and fun. Students learned interesting facts and then put pencil to paper and brought Mickey Mouse to life on their notepads.

Finlay was thrilled to share her grandmother with her friends. “I’m really excited that my grandma is here for a week, and I’m even more excited that she came to my school twice!” she said. “I’m glad she’s here to teach everyone how to draw Mickey. I would have been nervous to do it myself.”

Finlay’s friend Naomi was equally enthusiastic. “I love drawing. I’ve been drawing my whole life. But I’ve never drawn a Disney character before. Meeting Finlay’s grandma was so cool!” Naomi shared.

Outside of school, Finlay has her own favorite Disney experience. “When I visit my grandma, the first thing I do is go ride the Slinky Dog Ride at Hollywood Studios,” she said. “It’s just so fun!”

The visit was a memorable experience for both the students and their special guest, offering a glimpse of the Disney magic that animates the theme parks every day. The lesson also integrated STEAM learning and explored potential career aspirations, as students shared their dreams of working for Disney someday as animators. Marie wrapped up the fun morning of learning with an inspiring quote from The Walt Disney Company: “If you can dream it…you can do it!”