Pair made trip to Philadelphia for annual event
Two Ironton Middle School cheerleaders marched in the 98th annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Emily Campbell and Arianna Schaus, IMS cheer captains were among more than 500 junior high and high school cheerleaders and dancers from across the U.S. chosen to perform in the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the nation.

“Emily and Arianna are very excited to meet new people and to have this once in a lifetime experience. They are excited to represent the city of Ironton, Ironton Middle School, their cheer team and coach Karen Arthur,” said Beth Campbell. “A lot of hours have been put in to rehearsing their routine, outside of their already busy schedules of school, cheer practices and other extracurricular activities. Both girls are excited to meet new people, observe new culture of the city of Philadephia, their dinner cruise, and of course shopping.”

Those invited to perform in the parade are cheerleading and dance All-Americans who were selected from Varsity Spirit camps around the country, including camps organized by Universal Cheerleaders Association, Universal Dance Association, National Cheerleaders Association and National Dance Alliance.

Campbell and Schaus earned the All-American title via tryout based on superior cheerleading skills this past July at their team camp.

Only the top 10 percent of the cheerleaders and dancers who attend Varsity Spirit camps in the summer receive this honor and the chance to march in this prestigious holiday parade.

The All-American group were in Philadelphia from Monday to Thanksgiving, practicing their routine and visiting the city’s famous landmarks.

All-Americans performed alongside massive floats and giant balloons, as well as favorites from the entertainment world as the 2017 Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade makes its way through the heart of historic Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The event is televised in the Philadelphia area and syndicated throughout the United States.