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NEW YORK, NY – A local cheerleader from Gates County was among about 500 selected from all over the country by Spirit of America to cheer at the 96th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade held Nov. 24 in New York City.

J’Yanah Powell is a member of Geaux Squad an All-American Cheer Team that was invited to participate in the nationally televised parade. Spirit of America are the providers of the cheer and dance performers for the parade each year.

After arriving in New York on Saturday, Nov. 19 and spending countless hours rehearsing their choreography day and night, the cheerleaders performed at Herald Square in front of the famous Macy’s Department Store on Thanksgiving Day.

In between rehearsals, Powell also had the opportunity to have a little fun— including an opportunity to do the Statue of Liberty Harbor cruise, attend MJ the musical and see the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, and visit Central Park and the Empire State Building.

“I was very excited for this opportunity and excited to represent Geaux Squad, Gates County, and make my family, friends, and coaches proud,” Powell said.

Powell is a freshman at Gates County High School. She is a Honor Roll student-athlete who is on the Gates County High School Varsity Cheer team and Lady Canes Competition Cheer team. She is a member of the Junior ROTC, a Girl Scout Senior, a member of the Saunders Science Scholars Program, an active 4H member, and has big hopes to attend Winston Salem State University or North Carolina A&T University upon graduating from high school.

The Geaux Squad has already been invited back to next year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.