Three members of the 2021-2022 Tyrone High School Cheerleading Squad were chosen as UCA All-Americans at a Universal Cheer Association (UCA) camp the girls attended this summer. Two of the three traveled to Hawaii to cheer with other All-American cheerleaders on December 7.

The TAHS cheerleaders to make the All-American squad were senior Gracie Ball, sophomore Mercedes Miller, and sophomore Ally Black.

Ball and Miller traveled to Honolulu to join other All-American Cheerleaders to be a part of the annual Pearl Harbor parade, honoring those who served and lost their lives at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1942.

The parade began at Fort DeRussey in Waikiki and proceeded down Kalakaua Avenue in view of some of the most famous beaches in the world.

This year’s parade was special because it marked the 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, which brought the United States into World War II.

According to parade organizers, the parade theme is “remembering the past and celebrating our future.” The parade is “to honor veterans and their families while recognizing that once bitter enemies can become loyal friends and allies.”

UCA is the largest cheerleading camp company in the world, offering camps and competitions at over 50 regional locations across the country.

To be an All-American cheerleader, there were specific skills the girl had to excel at, like leadership and dancing. Only a few cheerleaders at each camp are chosen for this honor.

“As a senior, it made me feel like all of my hard work paid off,” said Ball.

Miller’s advice to others is to begin cheering at a young age and continue throughout middle and high school.

“It takes hard work and determination to make sure that you know everything,” said Black.

Ball and Miller were both grateful for the opportunity to take such a memorable trip and represent their school, town, and state while commemorating an important historical event.