17 Nov 2011 Thanksgiving Day parade a dream come true
by Sonja J. Keith
As a youngster, Emile Shaw enjoyed watching the televised coverage of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade while visiting her grandparents. She never dreamed that one day she might participate in the parade, but this year that dream is coming true.
The Conway High School senior – a captain on the varsity cheerleading squad – will be among the 700 cheerleaders and dance team members who are to perform during the New York City parade.
As a varsity captain on the Conway High School squad, Emile was invited to participate in the once-in-a-lifetime event. She will be among 700 cheerleaders and dance team members who qualified at camps across the country through Varsity Spirit and Spirit of America Productions.
Emile learned about the opportunity to participate in the parade during a cheerleading camp in mid August in Conway. “They offered the opportunity to all varsity captains.”
The performers will spend the week before Thanksgiving in New York City, sightseeing and rehearsing for their performance on Thanksgiving Day. The parade culminates in Herald Square with a televised performance of the routine they have spent the week rehearsing.
Emile’s mom, Sarah, will be making the trip to New York with her daughter. It will be the third trip they have made to the Big Apple. The second trip was to celebrate Emile’s grandmother’s 60th birthday and included the Macy’s parade.
“I’m real excited,” Emile said, adding that the cheerleader performance has been her favorite part of the parade.
Emile’s uniform for the New York routine arrived a few weeks ago. Now, she will spend time studying an online video in preparation for the rehearsals in New York.
Emile began competitive cheering about 10 years ago at Sonshine Academy. In the eighth grade, she added school cheerleading. “I just worked my way up to varsity.”
In addition to the camaraderie she has with others on the cheer squad, Emile thinks cheerleading reflects her personality. “I’m like a peppy person,” she said. “It’s a sport I can apply my personality to … I like to cheer on friends on the football and basketball teams.”
Among her extra-curricular activities, Emile is sharing her love of cheerleading with a special needs squad organized at Sonshine Academy. The team was started about three years and includes members of all ages.
A senior, Emile is considering a career in health care but has not decided where to attend college. Her decision will impact whether she will try to cheer on the next level.
In the meantime, she will enjoy her senior year and the opportunity to perform during the Thanksgiving Day parade.
“My favorite part of the parade was the cheerleaders,” she said. “I never thought I could actually be in it.”
Emile Shaw
City: Conway
School: Senior, Conway High School
Favorite subject: Math
Enjoyed most at school: Being with peers and learning new things.
Career plans: Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist.
Community activities: Faulkner County Teen Court, Delta Beta Sigma, Health Occupations Student Association (HOSA) and Caring Cats.
Family: Parents – Sarah and William Shaw; sister – Allison (19) and brother – Brandon (11).
Who do you admire the most: People that are positive and successful.
Favorite meal: Steak, mashed potatoes with gravy and green beans.
Most cherished possession: The picture of me and my sister, Lauren, who passed away.
Most enjoyed weekend activity: Attending cheer competitions.
Favorite quote: “The best example of leadership is leadership by example.” – Jerry McClain.
Favorite place in Arkansas: Greers Ferry Lake with my family and friends.
Cheerleaders from the 501 who will be participating in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade include:
Central Arkansas Christian
Alison Caspary
Peyton Templeton
Marisa Grissom
Conway
Emile Shaw
Greenbrier
Carlee Clifton
Devon Hocott
