John Legend, Pentatonix, Diana Ross and family and so many more will be headlining the 92nd Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. But they aren't the only entertainers who will be there.
Carter High School cheerleader Erica Richardson has been chosen to represent Dallas ISD as one of the hundreds of cheerleaders from across the country that will perform in this year’s parade.
"When I first found out, I was shocked," Richardson said. "I was shocked that I got it."
She received the highest honor at the district-wide cheer camp, and the prize was a spot on the squad in New York City -- a free trip to the Big Apple for the performance of a lifetime.
"I'm just so excited! I've never been there for a whole week and actually visited, so I am really excited," Richardson said.
She isn't the only one who has something to celebrate though. Her cheer coach at Carter High School also got a free trip to New York City to accompany Richardson. It was all part of the deal.
"That was very exciting, because what more can you ask for than a free trip to NYC for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," Lachon Jacobs said. "She has definitely worked her way up through the ranks, so yeah, she is our captain."
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Richardson is an honor roll student at the School for the Talented and Gifted at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center, but cheers for Carter High School because that's her home school. She wants to be a high school biology teacher, so she attended the magnet school in hopes of being prepared for college to make that dream come true.
Richardson said cheerleading has become a passion of hers. The coolest part of the entire experience is that she gets to be part of a production she has watched every year since she can remember.
"Yes! I watch it every year! And I'm always excited to see the bands perform... and I'm like, 'Oh my gosh,'" Richardson said.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade airs on NBC 5 Thanksgiving Day starting at 9 a.m.
