For the Cypress Ranch cheerleading squad, 2025 will forever be the year they made lasting memories performing in New York City.
The Cy Ranch cheer team received an opportunity many people dream of, an invitation to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
“It felt so surreal,” junior Auden Boe said. “This was such a fun and exciting opportunity for me and my teammates, and I’m grateful we were picked to perform.”
The cheerleading squad, plus coaches, chaperones and trainers flew into New York City a week before Thanksgiving, practicing rehearsals under the direction of the Macy’s parade choreographer for a week and a half. They practiced right before the parade, dodging the cold and perfecting stunts in weather far colder than what they are used to in Houston.
On Thanksgiving morning, all gathered together in royal blue and red uniforms with “Macy’s” on the chest, and the team took their place in the parade.
As millions of Americans watched from home, thousands of locals lined up for 2.5 miles to watch the parade.
“I was so nervous to perform; however, being with my friends and having the chance to represent Cy Ranch really got me hyped,” said Meredith Malonson, senior and team co-captain.
A memorable moment?
“Being able to do what I love the most and share a special memory with my teammates,” said Alana Sessions, senior and team co-captain.
This squad worked for many weeks to prepare for a three-minute performance on national television. However, for Cy Ranch cheerleaders, this wasn’t just a parade, it was their mark to inspire other people in America to turn to their mothers and say, “Mom, I want to do that one day.”
