Two FHS cheerleaders win national honors, prepare for trip to Florida
Falls High School students Hailey Strand and Jessi Bright have something to cheer about.
This semester, as the seniors crack their books for the typical English, math, and science classes, they are already looking forward to the holidays — to the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade just outside Orlando, Fla.
“It’s a good way to wrap up our senior year,” Bright said.
Both were selected all-American cheerleaders at a cheer camp this summer at St. Scholastica in Duluth. Strand was selected for her motions, having learned the cheers correctly. Bright, who was among the captains at camp, was selected for leadership after her coach got sick and the young women had to prepare among themselves.
The two cheerleaders decided to attend the December event in Florida as individuals, not as a member of their team. But they have to raise the money to pay the fees to attend the national event. The Disney parade is one of several options of events that the cheerleaders can choose to attend.
Strand and Bright have already started raising the funds they need to purchase the plane tickets and fees to participate in the parade and Disney activities.
They have gone to many local businesses to solicit sponsorships and donations. They have also done odd jobs around town to earn some extra cash — including washing windows, painting houses and other chores — “anything we can do,” they say.
“It’s a lot of work to be able to go,” Bright said.
But there are benefits to the experience besides getting some sun in the middle of winter, they agreed.
Bright explained that they will get to meet similar-minded cheerleaders from across the country, people who understand and love the sport the way they do.
“I think it’s going to be a blast,” Strand said.
The parade will air Christmas Day on the ABC network.
Donations can be sent to Strand at 1988 County Road 133, International Falls, or call Bright at 285-6112.
