By By Suzanne Digmon Staff writer
Ashley Mitchell and Brooke McGhee, seniors at Escambia County High School, will be spending this Thanksgiving in New York City. The two are representing the high school's cheerleading squad in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Mitchell, captain, and McGhee, co-captain, were selected at a UCA cheerleading camp the squad attended over the summer. The parade will feature more than 800 high school cheerleading and dance captains and co-captains from across the country.
The cheerleaders will spend one week, Nov. 22-28, sightseeing and rehearsing for the parade. The ECHS cheerleaders will be staying at the Hilton, New York.
"Oh, my gosh, I am so excited," Mitchell said. She had a list of plans for her time in the big city.
"We are supposed to practice every day except Tuesday," she said. "But we will get to see the Empire State Building, and take the cruise from the Statue of Liberty. Sunday night we are supposed to see The Lion King on Broadway, and we are going to go see the Rockettes dance at Radio City Music Hall."
Ashley is the daughter of Lana and Harry Mitchell. She has applied to both Auburn and Alabama, but is leaning toward Alabama. She hopes to teach elementary school.
Brooke McGhee is the daughter of David and Cyndi McGhee. She is just as excited as Mitchell about going to New York.
"I am so excited that I can't wait to leave. I just wish we weren't leaving so early," she said, speaking of a 5 a.m. flight from Mobile.
"I want to see the historical places, but I am most excited about the parade, and meeting new people."
McGhee is also planning to attend the University of Alabama after graduation. She hopes to pursue a career in biomedical sciences, or perhaps medicine. She especially enjoys working as a volunteer with special needs students.
The girls should be visible during the parade telecast between 10 and 10:15 a.m. Thursday on NBC. They both expressed thanks to everyone who bought doughnuts and gave donations to raise money for the trip.