PHOTO PROVIDED Alaina Beck, Harli Lupole and Parker Peters from Jersey Shore Middle School are pictured.

JERSEY SHORE — Alaina Beck, Harli Lupole and Parker Peters from Jersey Shore Middle School have been selected along with more than 500 junior high and high school cheerleaders and dancers from across the U.S. to perform in the annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the nation.

The individuals invited to perform in the parade are cheerleading and dance All-Americans selected from Varsity Spirit camps around the country, including camps organized by Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), Universal Dance Association (UDA), National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), National Dance Alliance (NDA) and Urban Cheerleading Experience (UCE).

All-Americans will perform alongside massive floats and giant balloons, as well as favorites from the entertainment world as the 2025 Thanksgiving Day Parade makes its way through the heart of historic Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event is televised in the Philadelphia area and syndicated throughout the United States.

Alaina, Harli and Parker earned the All-American title via tryout based on superior cheerleading or dance skills. Only the top 15 percent of the cheerleaders and dancers who attend Varsity Spirit camps in the summer receive this honor and the chance to march in this prestigious Thanksgiving Day Parade. The All-American group will be in Philadelphia from November 25 to 28, practicing their routine and visiting Philadelphia landmarks.

“We are so grateful to our community, our coaches and our families for supporting us in this prestigious achievement. With all of your support and encouragement, we will be able to attend the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade and build the greatest memories that will last us a lifetime,” the three said.

All three girls have been fundraising to ensure they can attend the trip by hosting a spaghetti dinner at The Gamble Farm Inn, holding a cupcake sale at Lowes in Mill Hall, hosting a teen Halloween dance at Bald Birds Brewery, canvassing their local community and setting up a tent at the Antes Fort Historical Days.

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

While participating in cheerleading, these girls also participate in many other sports all while maintaining exceptional grades, being contributing members of their community and being great role models to their peers, younger children and their younger siblings.