Liberty High School Cheer Marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!

If you watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving  Day parade over the holiday, you may  have seen some familiar faces. Although  they weren’t wearing their school uniforms,  15 members of the Liberty High School  (LHS) competitive cheer team were part  of a larger group of 550 cheerleaders who  marched and performed along the 2.5-mile  route that began on the Upper West Side  and ended at Herald Square. 

The road to New York began a year ago,  when LHS special education teacher and  varsity cheer coach Alicia Schrank  submitted an application for the cheer  team to participate in the 2023 parade.  Since the team had an incredibly successful  season, including taking third place in the  state, she thought they had a chance at  being accepted. When she got the good  news in January, Alicia and fellow coach  Katie Waddle immediately began to figure  out how to make this once-in-a-lifetime  opportunity come to fruition for the girls. 

They were thrilled to connect with the  Fauquier Excellence in Education  Foundation, which allowed them to channel  months’ worth of fundraising efforts through  their website, permitting safe online  donations that were also tax-deductible. 

The 15 cheerleaders, along with Alicia,  Katie, assistant coach Zoe Lowe, assistant  athletic director Helene Leigh, and  additional adult chaperones left on a charter  bus for

New York City on November 18.  In the days leading up to the parade, the  girls spent several hours each day  practicing the parade cheer routine. But  they had fun too, including some sightseeing  and taking in a Broadway show. 

Congratulations, LHS Cheer ladies, on this  incredible achievement, and to all the  outstanding coaches who have worked  tirelessly to guide these young women to  being all-around life achievers. At press  time, this group was just heading to NYC,  but we know you did Fauquier County proud! 

The LHS cheerleaders, coaches, and their  families are indebted to many local  businesses, organizations, families, and  individuals who donated to send the group  to New York. They extend their heartfelt  gratitude to: 

Amcore Pro, Amplify, Appleton Campbell,  Blue Ridge Orthopedic and Spine Center,  Brenda L. Payne & Associates, Beach,  Blake and Associate Financial Services,  Carousel Frozen Treats, Castles & Co.  Century 21 Realty Team, Castle Rock  Homes, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Country  Chevrolet, Craft and Crust, Dick’s Sporting  Goods, Dominion Power, Dominion Septic,  Dreams of Dance Performing Arts Studio,  Duckett Corbin Team, East Tools, EMCOR,  Facilities Plus, Fauquier Canine &  Community Organization, Fauquier County  Sheriff’s Department, Fauquier Cops for  Children, Fauquier County Juneteenth,  Fauquier Excellence in Education  Foundation, Gallagher family, Grant  Consulting Group, Greater Piedmont  Realtors, Groves Hardware, HITT  Construction, Charles D. Brown Janitorial  Services, King Entertainment, Kona Ice,  Lee Highway Nursery, Liberty Waste  Services, Lindsay GMC, M&P Restaurant,  Marshall Consulting Group, Mastercraft  Auto Body, McLean Copy, Molon Lave  Vineyard, MooThru, Mosquito Authority,  MRC Plumbing and Heating, Mt. Zion  Missionary Baptist Church, Noland Co.,  NOVEC, NOVEC Helps, Northern Piedmont  Sports Club, Oak View National Bank,  Pampered Chef, Peak Roofing, Piedmont  Fine Properties, Piedmont Nursery,  Purcellville Copy, Remington Spring Bash,  Robinson Logistics, Rotary Club of  Purcellville, Sew Fine Design, Shanel’s  Notary, Sheehy Ford, Shiloh Baptist Church,  Studio Luxe, Traditional Construction, T&J  Ceramic Tile, Top Shelf Cleaning, Virginia  National Bank, Wee Bounce Party Rentals,  William E. Lehr, Jr.