Braving the rain and cold temperatures, a group of 15 Brandywine Heights cheerleaders performed in the 2024 Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade with more than 500 cheerleaders and dancers from across the nation selected for the Varsity Spirit All-American Team.
“Our coaches, parents, fellow cheerleaders and overall organization are extremely proud of these cheerleader's accomplishments in trying out and being selected as All-Americans!” Alyssa Albright, Brandywine Heights Rec Cheer vice president and coach, said in a statement on behalf of BH Rec Cheer. “This is an exciting honor and the Brandywine Heights cheerleading representation at the Varsity Spirit All-American events is outstanding.”
Those invited to perform in the Philly Thanksgiving Day Parade are cheerleading and dance All-Americans selected from Varsity Spirit camps around the country, including camps organized by Universal Cheerleaders Association, Universal Dance Association, National Cheerleaders Association, National Dance Alliance, and Urban Cheerleading Experience, according to www.varsity.com.
These 15 Brandywine Heights students earned the All-American title via tryout based on superior cheerleading or dance skills. Only the top 15% of the cheerleaders and dancers who attend Varsity Spirit camps in the summer receive this honor and the chance to march in the Philly Thanksgiving Day Parade, according to the BH Rec Cheer announcement.
The following Brandywine Heights cheerleaders were selected as All-Americans while attending Pine Forest Cheer Camp in June — sophomore Sara Jo Potter; freshmen Kailynn Fegely and Adalynn Greiss; eighth graders Jillian Lee and Jade Beck; seventh graders Alona Pursell, Emily Pietrowski, Bryce Matz and Bella Vega; sixth grader Cheyenne Ehrie; fifth graders Cora Albright and Rachel Ramsey; and third grader Lennox Reinhard.
All-Americans performed alongside massive floats and giant balloons, as well as favorites from the entertainment world as the 2024 Thanksgiving Day Parade makes its way through the heart of historic Philadelphia. The event was televised in the Philadelphia area and syndicated throughout the United States.
“For those that participated in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade this year, they braved the pouring rain, freezing cold and having to arrive at the Art Museum steps in the early morning to practice,” said Albright. “They endured the elements for over seven hours without being able to go inside and get dry and warm and were still smiling at the end of it all! We are so very proud of them!”
The trip to Philadelphia included practicing their routine with the All-Americans and visiting Philadelphia landmarks.
Brandywine Heights seniors Ryan DiGiosia and Zoie Zimmerman were also selected as All-Americans and have the opportunity to attend a Varsity Spirit event in Hawaii which is offered to All-Americans who are selected in their senior year.
Additionally, three of Brandywine Heights Middle School cheerleaders will attend the Varsity Spirit Spring Break event being held this spring — eighth graders Jillian Lee and Raegan Hooper and seventh grader Sophie Sheeler. These cheerleaders tried out via video submissions and were selected to participate in the event in Orlando, Fla.
For more information about the Varsity Spirit All-American Program, visit www.varsity.com.