Canfield teen to march, cheer in Macy’s parade
Trending
By J.T. WHITEHOUSE
Staff writer
CANFIELD -- Canfield Middle School student Nyah Navarro is making the big time.
Nyah, 13, was selected to represent her school and community as a member of the Spirit of America Cheer Team, which will take part in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade tomorrow. She will join 200 other girls from across the United States.
Nyah started cheerleading in the first grade. She joined the Canfield Little Cardinals cheerleaders and stayed with it into middle school. In the seventh grade, she began cheering for Canfield Village Middle School on the football field and in the gym for basketball games.
Nyah also enjoys dance and theater. She has danced with several local studios and performed on stage for the Columbiana Squeeky Wheel Theater and the Youngstown Playhouse. She recently was in the Playhouse performance of "Newsies the Musical."
As a CVMS cheerleader, she attended the Cheertime Athletics cheerleading camp each August. She attended in seventh grade and came away with a big surprise when she attended this year.
"I was chosen to go to New York City and be in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," she said. "When I got picked, I was super shocked. I have watched that parade since I was very young."
The only criterion that Nyah had to fulfill was to raise the $3,000 needed to cover air travel, hotel, meals and the weeklong New York City stay. Nyah and her parents knew they had to get to work.
She began holding fundraisers and asking for support. She stood at the end of J.R. Grinders in Canfield and sold forever roses and chocolate.
With all her efforts and the support of friends, family, community and local businesses, she made the goal and began preparing for her trip. She received a travel bag with a sweatshirt and jacket to wear in New York City. She also received a Macy's cheerleading uniform.
She left Friday and was ready for check-in Saturday morning. The cheer team began practice immediately.
"I will room with three other girls," she said. "I can't wait to make new friends. I have the chance to make 200 of them."
She said Tuesday they will get their block assignments, which are the locations in the 200-girl team. There will be many local family members and friends looking for that spot during the parade.
Among the viewers will be CVMS Principal Judd Rubin.
"It is an honor for us, and she will represent us and the middle school well," Rubin said. "She is a model student with lots of energy. She is a wonderful role model for our students."
Nyha's parents and brother Niko, 15, will make the trip to see her participate in the parade. The girls on the cheer team will get to see a Broadway play and have some fun time thrown in, so it is not all-day practice.
For Nyah, it will be like living a dream.