Cy-Ranch HS Cheerleaders March in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
By Camryn Alberigo and Tomilayo Akande, Cypress Ranch HS
Dec. 7, 2022 —The Cypress Ranch High School cheerleaders were selected to be part of the 96th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
The Cypress Ranch cheerleaders were selected to perform in the world-famous parade after applying to Spirit of America Productions, which is responsible for choosing high school dance teams and cheerleaders to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Approximately 40 Cypress Ranch cheerleaders traveled to New York to participate.
Before leaving for New York City for the 96th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Cypress Ranch High School cheerleaders were featured on KPRC’sHouston Life to highlight their selection to participate in the parade. (Photo by Tomilayo Akande, Cypress Ranch HS)“It was very overwhelming because I don't think we were prepared to be doing something at every moment of the day, but all the practices were super fun even if they were a little draining,” said Cypress Ranch senior Sydney Majors. “I would say it was all worth it in the end seeing how perfect it came out and how cool we looked being on national television and in the parade.”
The Cypress Ranch High School cheerleaders were chosen to headline the parade by performing on the TODAY show on Nov. 21.“The TODAY show experience was honestly the best experience I've had in my life,” said Cypress Ranch junior Alexa Comin. “I will say waking up at 3 in the morning to get ready and perform in 35-degree weather was not a highlight, but it still was so much fun and unforgettable. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The feeling of getting through it was life-changing even though it was freezing.”
In addition to performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and on the TODAY show, the Cypress Ranch High School cheerleaders had time to bond as a team by exploring New York City. “We were able to do lots of fun things while we were in New York including seeing MJ the Musical, The Rockettes and the Statue of Liberty, along with that the TODAY show was super cool,” said Cypress Ranch junior Julianna Linton. “It was an honor being able to perform and hit our routine on live television.”
Before heading to New York, the cheerleaders were featured on KPRC’s Houston Life weekday show to promote the uniqueness of the experience.
The cheerleaders also completed several fundraising efforts to help with expenses for the trip. The team sold ice cream, provided car washes and hosted a cheer clinic.
“We went to look for sponsors and displayed posters promoting ourselves and the opportunity to represent CFISD and Cypress Ranch,” said Taylor St. Fleur, Cypress Ranch senior and varsity cheer captain.
All in all, the cheerleaders walked away with memories that will last a lifetime.
“Having the opportunity to represent Cypress Ranch and CFISD was amazing,” St. Fleur said. “We were able to show out for our parents and I got to see my mom in the crowd cheering me on as usual. It was so cool to be able to connect with so many people.”
