A group of Brandywine Heights Area School District cheerleaders performed with the All American Cheerleaders in the 103rd Annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 23.

The 12 Brandywine cheerleaders were selected as All American Cheerleaders this past summer while attending Pine Forest Cheer Camp in June. Senior Caleigh Adam, junior Zoie Zimmerman, eighth graders Adalynn Greiss and Kailynn Fegely, seventh grader Raegan Hooper, sixth graders Bella Vega, Elise Eisenhart, Sophie Sheeler, Alona Pursell, Bryce Matz, Emily Pietrowski and fourth grader Rachel Ramsey all earned this title via tryout.

All Americans are chosen based on superior cheerleading skills as well as leadership skills at camps operated by the Universal Cheerleaders Association. Only 12% of the cheerleaders from these Varsity Spirit camps held across the country earn this title.

As All Americans, these cheerleaders are invited to perform in special events where they not only represent their school district but also Varsity Spirit, an American cheerleading company owned by Varsity Brands.

The All-Americans performed the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade alongside massive floats and giant balloons, as well as favorites from the entertainment world as the parade made its way through the heart of historic Philadelphia. The event was televised in the Philadelphia area and syndicated throughout the United States.

Besides enjoying a memorable trip to Philadelphia, All Americans created connections not only with each other, but with cheerleaders from around the country as well.

“They were extremely excited to perform among cheerleaders who are as passionate about cheerleading as they are,” according to the statement in the release. “Our coaches, cheer families and fellow squad members were extremely proud and ecstatic that our cheerleaders participated in this event and represented all ages of Brandywine Heights Cheerleading and the school district on national TV in one of the nation’s oldest cities.”

The Varsity Spirit All-American program is celebrating over 30 years. For more information, visit www.varsity.com.

Memphis-based Varsity Spirit is the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team and performing arts. A division of Varsity Brands, Varsity Spirit is a leader in uniform innovation, as well as educational camps, clinics and competitions, impacting more than a million athletes each year. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit’s employees have been dedicated to celebrating spirit through its brands since 1974. For more information about Varsity Spirit or Varsity Brands, visit varsity.com or varsitybrands.com.