KHS All-American cheerleaders are, from left, Katy Carton, Gabby Hampton, Brooklyn Schiltz, Kalleigh Gale, and Claire Taylor. [Photos courtesy of Kewanee High School]

Five senior members of the Kewanee High School varsity cheerleading squad and four varsity dance team members will take part in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Honolulu from Dec. 3-8.

Varsity cheerleaders taking part are Katy Carton, Gabby Hampton, Kalleigh Gale, Brooklyn Schiltz and Claire Taylor. Also participating senior varsity dance team members Anna Chabanenko, Emmalee Kilstrom, Paige Polowy and Sophie Raes.

Cheerleaders and dancers who are invited to perform in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade are part of a select group of All-Americans identified at Varsity Spirit summer camps across the country. 

All-Americans are based on superior cheerleading or dance skills as well as leadership skills at camps operated by Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), Universal Dance Association (UDA), National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), National Dance Alliance (NDA), United Spirit Association (USA) or Urban Cheerleading Experience (UCE). 

These Kewanee High School cheerleaders and dancers attended UCA and UDA home campswherethey were selected as All-Americans. Only the top 12 percent of the cheerleaders and dancers from Varsity Spirit camps earn the chance to participate in a performance of this caliber.  

“We’re excited to welcome these exceptional athletes to Honolulu for an unforgettable experience,” said Bill Seely, president of Varsity Spirit. “It’s a privilege to offer them the chance to perform in such a stunning setting, connect with peers from across the country, and be part of a celebration that highlights their talent on the beautiful island of Oahu.”

These athletes will perform with Varsity Spirit All-Americans in the parade before thousands of fans lining the streets of Waikiki Beach. This trip marks the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

“We honor our veterans and their families while recognizing that once bitter enemies can become loyal friends and allies,” Seely said.

KHS All-American dancers are, from left, Anna Chabanenko, Sophie Raes, Emmalee Kilstrom and Paige Polowy.

Besides being able to perform for true national heroes, athletes will meet cheerleaders and dancers from across the nation and enjoy a traditional Hawaiian luau and a memorable trip to the Pearl Harbor Memorial and the USS Missouri battleship. 

The senior cheerleaders and dancers from KHS who are participating in this special event would like to extend a sincere thank you to all those who contributed to their fundraisers. The support given to these athletes helped to make it possible for them to have the experience of a lifetime honoring our veterans and representing our community.

For more information about the Varsity Spirit All-American Program, visit www.varsity.com.