Savannah Oakes, an eighth-grader from Lee Academy in Clarksdale, was selected as one of more than 500 elementary, junior high and high school cheerleaders and dancers from across the country that will represent Varsity Spirit in the 2018 Thanksgiving Tour at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla.
The individuals invited to perform in the parade are part of a select elite group of cheerleaders and dancers chosen as All-Americans during Varsity Spirit summer camps across the country. All-Americans are selected via tryout, based on either superior cheerleading or dance skills, at camps operated by the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), Universal Dance Association (UDA), National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) or National Dance Alliance (NDA).
Only the top 10 percent of the cheerleaders and dancers from Varsity Spirit camps earn the chance to march in a holiday parade of this caliber.
Oakes will perform with the Varsity Spirit All-Americans in an one-of-a-kind pre-parade performance through Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park on Thanksgiving Day. Besides enjoying a sunny trip to Orlando, All-Americans will have the opportunity to meet cheerleaders and dancers from across the nation and enjoy a magical holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort parks.
When asked about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Oakes said, “I am excited and honored to represent Lee Academy and Clarksdale in Disney World’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I can’t wait to make new friends and perform alongside outstanding cheerleaders from all over the country.”
The Varsity All-American program is celebrating more than 30 years of choosing camp standouts.
