Three cheerleaders from Franklin High School have dreams--and a real opportunity--to participate in the 2012 Macy's Day Parade in New York City. They'll just need a little help from the community to get there.
Evelyn Lopez, Stephanie Barajas and Julie Quintanilla went before the (HHPNC) on Thursday evening to request a $1,500 neighborhood purposes grant to help pay for travel and boarding expenses related to the trip.
The HHPNC granted granted the funding request, pending approval from the budget and finance committee.
The cheering trio were among a select group of students from across the country to be asked to participate in the nationally televised annual parade.
FHS Cheer Squad Coach Claudia Cardenas said that the young women--all seniors at Franklin--have been holding their own fundraisers, but were hoping to get a big boost from the neighborhood council.
According to Cardenas, the overall cost of the trip will be about $2,500.
In addition to cheering in the parade, Lopez, Barajas and Quintanilla will also be given tours of Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. They'll also be given tickets to a Broadway show.
"We would like to bring Franklin to a better light," Lopez said. "We would like to put ourselves out there, representing not just Franklin, but Highland Park."
Added Quintanillia, "We'll get to represent Highland Park to other students, and bring back our cultural experiences to the neighborhood."
