Every year, all the schools around the county with a cheer squad attend cheer camp. This camp normally last a week or longer, and the girls are put through vigorous activities and long days of practice and competing.

The Maplesville High School Cheer squad attended their camp this summer. After winning two out of three competitions, the girls were selected to receive an invitation to join in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“It is an honor to be invited to be part of something so big. Our girls worked really hard during and before their camp and came home with a trophy and everything,” said Darlene Reed, varsity cheer coach. “They are now getting really excited about the parade and are working on raising the money to go.”

To participate in the parade, the girls have to come up with $22,000. The cost covers 10 girls as well as the coach, Reed, and principal of the school, Maggie Hicks. To help raise the money, the girls are planning three different fund-raisers.

“One of the first things that we did was send out letters to businesses in our area to see if we can get any sponsorships,” Reed said.

The girls have also planned to work the concession stand during this weekend’s Watermelon 50 Buddy Harescramble race at the Perry Mountain Motor Course. The race will take place Saturday, Aug. 2.

Although there has been no date set for their final fundraiser, the girls are planning a fish fry. Reed said the projected time looks be around September, but the school will later release the official time, place and date of the event.

The school is thankful to anyone who wants to help their cheerleaders by giving a donation. All sponsors will be identified during the school’s home football games.