LOCAL CHEERLEADERS INVITED TO PERFORM IN THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE IN HOUSTON, TEXAS TEMPLE, TX (October 1st, 2015) Bridgette Burdine, Emily Gist, Francesca Higgins, Abby Lucksinger and Victoria Maldonado from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Temple, TX, were selected along with 300 other elementary, junior high and high school cheerleaders and dancers from across the U.S. to perform in one of the oldest Thanksgiving Day parades in the country, the 66th H-E-B Holiday Parade in Houston, TX. This is only the second year in the history of St. Mary’s Catholic School to have cheerleaders selected as All-American Cheerleaders. All-Americans were selected via tryout based on the superior cheerleading skills shown during their tryout at summer camp. Only the top 10% of cheerleaders and dancers who attended Varsity camps have earned the chance to march in a holiday parade of this caliber. The All-American Cheerleaders from St. Mary’s will perform with the Varsity All-American group in the annual Thanksgiving Day festivities through the heart of downtown Houston. As the largest holiday parade in Texas, the Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade attracts crowds of more than 200,000. The event is televised in the Houston area, and is syndicated throughout the Southwest. All-Americans will have the opportunity to cheer along side floats, hot air balloons, marching bands and celebrity guests as they make their way through the streets of downtown. Bridgette, Emily, Francesca, Abby and Victoria are all in the 8th grade at St Mary’s Catholic School. These amazing young ladies have many other academic and athletic achievements, including varsity volleyball, varsity basketball, school and select soccer leagues, band, dance, National Junior Honor Society, God Squad (school-sponsored community service organization), and church ministries (Altar Servers/Lectors). The girls are very active in their school, their churches, and their community. They are thrilled to have the opportunity to represent their school and the community of Temple, Tx at this big event. This is a huge honor for the girls and for St. Mary’s Catholic School.