Tracy High cheerleaders take part in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Melissa Clark and Brianna Hernandez prepare for their debut in the 2013 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
December 12, 2013
Seniors and best friends Melissa Clark and Brianna Hernandez participated in the 2013 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City. They are involved in the Spirit of America cheer leading organization, which allowed them to be a part of this opportunity.
“I was invited by the Universal Cheerleaders Association,” Hernandez said. “It was an amazing opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.”
Hernandez and Clark paid around $2,700 on the trip expenses.
“It was worth the money. I wouldn’t have traded this experience for anything,” Hernandez said.
Melissa Clark and Brianna Hernandez loved traveling together as best friends.
“It was really fun, and I feel like we are closer now. I’m so glad I got to share this with her,” Clark said.
They practiced 12 hours total to get ready for the parade during their time in New York City.
“Being on television was the most exciting experience. It was overwhelming seeing the cameras at rehearsal,” Hernandez said. “It was a surreal experience.”
“My family and friends were really excited to find me in the parade on television back home. Fortunately, I was one of the tallest girls there, so it was easy to spot me,” Hernandez said.
Not only did the girls participate in the parade, but they also had free time to tour the city.
“We took a ferry ride to see the Statue of Liberty, saw a Broadway show, and ice skated in Rockerfeller center” Clark said.
“Standing in Time Square was one of my favorite experiences because it’s such an iconic setting. You always see Times Square in the movies, and I couldn’t believe that I was there too,” Hernandez said.
The girls still had faced some difficulties during their time in New York City.
“The cold weather was the worst. Wearing spandex uniforms in 20 degree weather was my least favorite part about my trip. It’s such a change from California weather,” Clark said.
The girls wore a red and gold cheer leading uniform complete with a blue puffer jacket.
“The jacket made us look like giant blue berries but they kept us warm in the city,” said Clark. Hernandez also had her opinion on the uniforms.
“They weren’t my favorite, but they definitely made us stand out since the red was so bold,” Hernandez said.
Brianna and Melissa were with several other girls during the trip.
“We met girls from all over the US. It was wonderful to share this experience with other cheerleaders who love the sport,” Clark said.
The girls gained more than just new friends and memories on their trip.
“I feel like I’m a more experienced cheerleader now as a result of performing in the parade,” Hernandez said.
Regardless of how much they loved the experience they were excited to be back home. “I felt jet lagged, but I enjoyed being in California weather again,” Hernandez said.
