Norwich High School seniors and varsity cheerleaders Bria James and Alexys Strozier have been selected as All-American Varsity Spirit Cheerleaders, earning invitations to travel to Honolulu, Hawaii, to perform in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade. The two seniors are fundraising to help make the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity possible while proudly representing Norwich High School and the Norwich community.(Submitted photo)

NORWICH — Norwich High School seniors and varsity cheerleaders Bria James and Alexys Strozier have earned an extraordinary opportunity to take their Norwich spirit from their hometown all the way to Honolulu, Hawaii.

James and Strozier have been selected as All-American Varsity Spirit Cheerleaders, earning invitations to travel to Honolulu, Hawaii, to perform in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade.

The honor gives the two Norwich seniors the opportunity to join other All-American cheerleaders from across the United States for a special performance experience. For James and Strozier, the invitation is an exciting recognition of the dedication, hard work, teamwork and school spirit they have demonstrated throughout their years in cheerleading.

As members of the Norwich High School Varsity Cheerleading team, the two seniors have spent countless hours practicing, performing and cheering from the sidelines while representing their school and community. Now, they have the opportunity to represent Norwich High School and the Norwich community on a national stage.

Being selected as All-American Cheerleaders makes the experience particularly meaningful during their senior year. The trip will allow James and Strozier to celebrate years of commitment to the sport while participating in an event that carries a much deeper message of remembrance and respect.

The Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade commemorates the events of December 7, 1941, while honoring veterans, survivors and the sacrifices of those who served. For the Norwich cheerleaders, participating offers an opportunity not only to perform, but also to experience an important piece of American history firsthand.

While earning the invitations is an incredible honor, making the journey from Norwich to Honolulu also comes with significant expenses. Fundraising efforts are underway to help offset the costs associated with participating, including program fees, airfare, accommodations and other travel expenses.

Local businesses, organizations and community members are invited to help support James and Strozier as they work toward making this once-in-a-lifetime trip possible. Donations and sponsorships of any amount can help the two seniors take advantage of an opportunity they will remember long after their final season as Norwich High School cheerleaders comes to an end.

The journey represents much more than a trip to Hawaii. It is an opportunity for two local students to celebrate years of hard work, honor an important chapter of American history and proudly represent the school and community that have supported them along the way.

From Friday nights and the sidelines at Norwich High School to the streets of Honolulu, Bria James and Alexys Strozier are preparing to carry a little piece of Norwich with them to Hawaii.

Individuals, businesses and organizations wishing to help support Bria James and Alexys Strozier with expenses associated with attending the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade are encouraged to contribute to their fundraising efforts.

Donations of any amount are sincerely appreciated, and community members who are unable to contribute financially can also support the girls by sharing their fundraising efforts. Donations can be sent to the Norwich Cheer Boosters with “All-American” in the memo line to PO Box 943, Norwich, NY 13815 or made via Venmo @NorwichCheerBoosters

— Information from Norwich Cheer Boosters