Burroughs High School’s cheerleaders made unforgettable memories this winter break as they performed on two major stages: the New Year’s Day Parade in Rome, Italy, and the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. These exceptional opportunities created lifelong memories and showcased the athletes’ dedication to their sport.
Five varsity cheerleaders — seniors Mackenzy Crow and Kendall Hahn; juniors Samara Rivas and Kairi Davis; and sophomore Dannika Nelson — traveled to Rome as part of the USA All-American team. Selected at summer camp after performing in front of judges, these athletes joined nearly 100 other cheerleaders from across the U.S. to perform in the New Year’s Day Parade.
“During the Rome New Year’s Day Parade, the All-American cheerleaders and I performed for about three hours along the main streets of Rome and did a grand finale performance at Piazza del Popolo, where we were put on the big screens for everyone around the world, including our families and friends, to watch as we performed one last time,” said Rivas. ” It was truly an incredible experience, and I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to perform in the parade.”
Part of what make the experience so memorable for Rivas was the excitement of the crowd.
“Everyone watching was ecstatic to see us perform and were amazed by our routine,” she said. “They cheered for us loudly, and many people even wanted to take a picture with me and the other girls that were in the parade, which made us feel like total celebrities!”
Varsity cheer captain Mackenzy Crow, a senior, was grateful to see her team succeed on an international stage.
“As captain, I love to see my team being offered opportunities like this,” said Crow. “It is such a rewarding feeling watching them grow and succeed throughout the year, especially to do something like travel across the world. I cannot wait to see them continue to be amazing cheerleaders throughout the next few years.”
The parade’s setting was a far cry from the team’s usual cheering spot on the BHS sideline. The cheerleaders performed along the streets of downtown Rome, next to famous monuments including the Spanish Steps, Fiume Tevere, Piazza del Popolo, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum.
“I was so ecstatic to perform in such a beautiful place like the city of Rome, with all of its unbelievable history embedded everywhere in the streets,” said Crow. “It was an unforgettable experience that the other girls and I will never forget.”
Coach Stacey Crow highlighted the effort it took to make the trip happen.
“The girls had to learn the parade routine by video prior to leaving for the trip,” said the cheer advisor. “They got together a few times and practiced it, and even went over it a few times at the airport on our way there.”
Learning the routine was only half the battle. They also had to fundraise close to $5,000 to attend this trip. Several of the girls baked treats and goodies to sell, and some of them cooked full dinners to sell to the community.
While some cheerleaders were in Rome, the rest of the team performed during halftime at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. The team earned this opportunity by winning the Unity Award at summer camp.
“It felt exhilarating to perform at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl,” said junior Paige Dunn. “It’s always a rush to perform in front of giant crowds of people.”
The team also enjoyed some fun during their trip, including a visit to Universal Studios Florida. “This made the trip really fun for the girls,” said Coach Crow.
Both trips offered unique opportunities for growth and bonding.
“My favorite part of the experience would have to be meeting new friends there from all over the country,” said Dunn.
“The highlight of my whole trip would be growing a closer bond with my teammates and being able to experience this wonderful trip with them,” said Rivas.
Coach Crow expressed her pride in the team.
“Seeing our BHS girls perform in that parade in downtown Rome was spectacular—memories to never forget!” she said. “It is such a rewarding feeling watching them grow and succeed throughout the year, especially to do something like travel across the world.”
