Annie Caroline Cross, a freshman at Clinton County High School in Albany, has been selected along with more than 500 junior high school cheerleaders and dancers from across the U.S. to perform in the 96th annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the nation. The Varsity Spirit All American program is celebrating its 29th year.

The individuals invited to perform in the parade are cheerleading and dance All-Americans selected from Varsity Spirit camps around the country.

All-Americans will perform alongside massive floats and giant balloons, as well as favorites from the entertainment world as the 2015 Dunkin’ Donuts 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.

Annie Caroline Cross earned the All-American title via tryout based on superior cheerleading or dance skills. Only the top 10 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 holiday parade. The All-American group will be in Philadelphia from November 24 through the 27th, practicing their routine and visiting Philadelphia landmarks.

Annie Caroline is the daughter of Tracy and Jordan Cross, also of Albany. Annie is very excited about this amazing opportunity. She says, “I am so proud to have been chosen for such an incredible event. It really does reflect all of my hard work and practice in both cheerleading and tumbling. This is something that I will remember for the rest of my life!”