LAHS Varsity Cheerleaders, traveling to Honolulu, Hi, in December are, from left: Sophia Sisneros, Jazmyne Gray, Ashley Casados and Alessandra Valencia. Courtesy photo

BY JESSICA ANDERSON

LAHS Varsity Cheerleaders Ashley Casados (Sr.), Jazmyne Gray (Jr.), Sophia Sisneros (Jr.) and Alessandra Valencia (Jr.) will represent Varsity Spirit, the global leader in cheerleading, in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Honolulu, HI from Dec. 3-9.

Cheerleaders and dancers who are invited to perform in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade are part of a select group of All-Americans identified at Varsity Spirit summer camps across the country. All-Americans are based on superior cheerleading or danc skills as well as leadership skills at camps operated by Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), Universal Dance Association (UDA), National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), National Dance Alliance (NDA), United Spirit Association (USA) or Urban Cheerleading Experience (UCE). Only the top 12% of the cheerleaders and dancers from Varsity Spirit camps earn the chance to participate in a performance of this caliber.

“We are thrilled that these excellent athletes will have the chance to perform and experience our Special Events in Honolulu, HI,” said Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit. “We are honored to provide athletes a one-of-a-kind opportunity, where they will meet and connect with cheerleaders and dancers from across the country and create memorable experiences on the beautiful island of Oahu.”

Casados, Gray, Sisneros and Valencia will perform with the Varsity Spirit All-Americans in the parade before thousands of fans lining the streets of Waikiki Beach. This trip marks the 83nd Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. We honor our veterans and their families while recognizing that once bitter enemies can become loyal friends and allies. Besides being able to perform for true national heroes, athletes will have the opportunity to meet cheerleaders and dancers from across that nation and enjoy a traditional Hawaiian luau and a memorable trip to the Pearl Harbor Memorial and the USS Missouri Battleship.

“Performing in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade, alongside all the other amazing cheerleaders and dancers from across the US, will be such an unforgettable experience and a meaningful way to honor our veterans. I am so excited to explore the island, tour the USS Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri, and make incredible memories with my mom and teammates!”, said Jazmyne Gray.

“It is a very humble experience for us to be part of such a special event to remember all who served that fateful day and remembering the commitment and courage they left behind,” said Ashley Casados

“I am looking forward to participating in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade to pay tribute to the lives affected by the attack and also to honor my family and loved ones who are veterans or actively serving our country,” said Sophia Sisneros

“It is an honor to have been chosen to perform in a Historic Memorial such as Pearl Harbor. I am so thankful for this once in a lifetime opportunity and being able to share this moment with my parents and teammates. I’m looking forward to learning more about Pearl Harbor at the USS Arizona Memorial and I am excited to honor all veterans in such a huge way by being a part of an amazing event. Thank you for your service,” said Alessandra Valencia.

Each of the young ladies recognize how significant the Pearl Harbor events were, and still are, and understand the incredible role Los Alamos played in the fight that followed.

For more information about the Varsity Spirit All-American Program, visit www.varsity.com.

About Varsity Spirit
Memphis-based Varsity Spirit, the driving force behind cheerleading’s dynamic transformation into the high-energy, athletic activity it is today, is the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team, performing arts and yearbook. 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, please visit varsity.com or varsitybrands.com