MEMPHIS — Marlee Bates and Katy Carton from Kewanee High School have been selected along with more than 500 junior high and high school cheerleaders and dancers from across the U.S. to perform in the annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the nation.
The individuals invited to perform in the parade are cheerleading and dance All-Americans selected from Varsity Spirit camps around the country, including camps organized by Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), Universal Dance Association (UDA), National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), National Dance Alliance (NDA), and Urban Cheerleading Experience (UCE).
All-Americans will perform alongside massive floats and giant balloons, as well as favorites from the entertainment world as the 2023 Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade makes its way through the heart of historic Philadelphia.
The event will be streamed on Hulu. The parade will kick-off at 7:30 a.m.
Marlee and Katy earned the All-American title via tryout based on superior cheerleading or dance skills. Only the top 15 percent of the cheerleaders and dancers who attend Varsity Spirit camps in the summer are selected to march in this Thanksgiving Day parade.
The All-American group will be in Philadelphia from November 21-24 practicing their routine and visiting Philadelphia landmarks.
Marlee, who represented KHS last year in the Pearl Harbor Day Parade, said, “I’m looking forward to making lifetime memories with fellow All Americans, my fellow teammate Katy, and visiting the historic sites.”
Katy, who has never been to Pennsylvania, said, “I am looking forward to exploring a new state with individuals from all over the U.S.”
The Varsity Spirit All-American program is celebrating over 30 years. For more information, visit www.varsity.com or contact Michelle Edwards at (800) 238-0286, ext. 4532 or email medwards@varsity.com.
s
