2 Joplin middle school cheerleaders to perform in Philadelphia Thanksgiving parade

Nov. 20—Two Joplin middle school cheerleaders, Ali Landes and Lola Matthiesen, have been selected along with more than 500 junior high and high school cheerleaders and dancers from across the United States to perform in the annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parade.

It is the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the nation.

Landes is an eighth grader at Joplin South Middle School, and Matthiesen is a seventh grader at Joplin North Middle School.

The individuals invited to perform in the parade are cheerleading and dance All-Americans selected from Varsity Spirit camps around the country, including camps organized by Universal Cheerleaders Association, Universal Dance Association, National Cheerleaders Association, National Dance Alliance and Urban Cheerleading Experience.

All-Americans will perform alongside floats and giant balloons, as well as favorites from the entertainment world, during the parade.

The event is televised in the Philadelphia area and syndicated throughout the United States.

Landes and Matthiesen earned the All-American title via tryouts based on their cheerleading skills. Only the top 15% of the cheerleaders and dancers who attend Varsity Spirit camps in the summer receive this honor and the chance to march in the parade.

Landes said in a statement: "I am very grateful and looking forward to getting to represent my school and seeing new things."

Matthiesen said: "I feel honored, excited, and very thankful. I can't wait to join all the other All-American Cheerleaders."