A lot to cheer about

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

RATHDRUM — Five local high school cheerleaders are headed for the experience of a lifetime after qualifying to participate in the world-famous London New Year's Day Parade.

Lakeland senior Emmalee Duce, junior Jessica Daniels and sophomores Kerinsa Haselip and Aliyah Padilla along with Coeur d'Alene High's James French are headed overseas for the big event after being selected based on their performance last summer at the Universal Cheerleaders Association camp in Rathdrum.

"I'm so proud of them because they've worked so hard," said Michelle Padilla, who coaches the Lakeland squad with Cynthia Bailey. "To represent Lakeland High School, the community and themselves is such an honor for them. They've worked really hard as a team and are always encouraging each other. They're showing the school proud. It is a big deal to see our girls go over for this."

Only the top 12 percent of athletes who attend the camps earn the chance to perform in the holiday spectacular, also known as "LNYDP." They are chosen based on their superior athletic and leadership skills.

"I have only been cheering for two years so when I got this opportunity it was really big for me," Duce said. "I'm super excited and have been counting down the days. It's the biggest event I've participated in. It will be a lot of work, but a lot of fun."

Parade participants will perform cheer routines throughout the entire route. The cheerleading portion has been traditionally geared toward seniors, although students in other grades can be invited.

Lakeland senior Aubry Kidwell and freshman Emma Hinebaugh also qualified to participate in the parade, but won't be making the trip.

Padilla and Bailey are also headed to London as the coaches.

The cheerleaders are considered "All-American" and will represent Memphis-based Varsity Spirit, a cheerleader and dance organization.

"The All-American program is celebrating its 31st year in 2018 and our talented cheerleaders, dancers and drum majors really enjoy the opportunity to show their skills to a very enthusiastic international audience," said Mike Fultz, international event coordinator for Varsity Sport.

Each cheerleader raised $3,300 for the trip since September.

While in London, the group will also attend historic tours of places such as Buckingham Palace with the other participating cheerleaders.

"You can't get much better than being able to represent the United States," Padilla said. "It's an honor to be recognized as a U.S. cheerleader in London of all places."

The parade first took place in 1987 as the Lord Mayor of Westminster's Big Parade. It was renamed in 1994 and, for 2000 only, it was called the Millennium Parade.