Grace Sulter, a Whitehall-Coplay Middle School cheerleader, has been selected, along with more than 500 junior and high school cheerleaders and dancers from across the United States, to perform in the annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the nation.

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.

“I am incredibly proud and honored to be recognized as an all-American for my hard work and dedication,” Grace said. “I’m thrilled to represent all-American in this year’s parade.”

Grace, a seventh-grader at WCMS, is a flyer on her team. The team is coached by Mandy Peters. All-Americans will perform alongside massive floats and giant balloons, as well as favorites from the entertainment world as the parade makes its way through the heart of historic Philadelphia. The event is televised in the Philadelphia area and syndicated throughout the United States.

Grace earned the All-American title via a tryout based on superior cheerleading and dance 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. The all-American group will be in Philadelphia Nov. 26-29, practicing its routine and visiting area landmarks.