Three Manteca High seniors will perform with 650 other cheerleaders and dancers in the 2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City . 

Alexis Surall, Erika Decena and Hope Palomar, all from Manteca High School, will join an elite group of cheerleaders and dancers representing Spirit of America Productions.

Each cheerleader used personal funds to participate at the national event. For nearly three decades, Spirit of America Productions give this opportunity to cheerleaders and dance team members who qualified at camps across the country, and Puerto Rico to perform at this year’s parade.  MHS cheerleaders were selected during their attendance at the UC Berkeley camp.

Spirit of America hosts two featured performances in the parade. Cheerleaders and dancers from across the country are invited to perform a nationally televised, showcased performance LIVE on NBC each Thanksgiving in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of the most celebrated parades in the world.  The group will spend the week before Thanksgiving in New York City sightseeing and rehearsing for their performance on Thanksgiving Day. 

 “Going to New York to be a part of such a big performance is an absolute honor, and I am so excited to be able to do something I’ve always dreamed of,” noted Palomar. “My coach has trained us to be the best we can be and I am extremely grateful for all of her help throughout this journey.”

 “I am excited about this opportunity for the cheerleaders,” said Lisa Quaresma, teacher and head coach/advisor for MHS Cheer & Dance Program.  “Their hard work, dedication and determination has paid off.  As a coach, this is what it’s all about: Being a part of their growth, not just in the sport but as young ladies too. Being able to witness them achieving their goals; pushing them to do great things, believing in them even when they doubted themselves. They are going to have a great time in New York.”

This year’s performance team will show their spirit along the streets of Manhattan from Central Park West and 78th Street down to 34th and Seventh Avenue. The parade culminates in Herald Square with a televised performance of the spirited routine they have spent the week rehearsing.