Schools
Local Teens Performing In Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade
Haverford High School Shooting Stars appearing in annual city tradition
Giggles and screams could be heard on the bus ride to Philadelphia as the Upper Darby Shooting Stars headed down to their last rehearsal before performing in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parade.
The Haverford-Havertown Patch rode along with the group to get a sneak preview of their dress rehearsal Wednesday night in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum steps. While it was cold and some dancers kept their coats on during rehearsal, the group’s performance was hot. Wednesday night’s rehearsal was the first time the group had rehearsed their routine at the huge stage area.
At least a half dozen of the elite singing and dance group are from Haverford Township. This is the fifth straight year the Shooting Stars have performed in the parade. Some of the group are not strangers to performing in the parade, but for others, it was their first experience.
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junior Lexi Livanos was one of the first-timers.
“The behind-the-scenes production was so cool to see,” Livanos said. “I am used to watching it on television and I am beyond excited to be able to perform in the parade and it is an experience that will stay with me forever!”
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Allie Yacina, a senior at Haverford High School, said, “I wasn’t really excited until we got to the foot of the Art Museum steps and saw all the lights and cameras. I could feel the energy in the air and it made me more excited!”
Haverford High freshman Scott Berkowitz said, “The whole experience has been a blast. I have always watched the parade on television and now I get to be a part of it.
The group performs in the opening number of the parade, scheduled to begin around 9 a.m. They are scheduled to perform again around 10:20 a.m. The parade will air on 6ABC.
The group has been rehearsing their two numbers for weeks perfecting their routine, and a select group was asked to sing the opening song, which they recorded earlier.
“The kids did great at rehearsal and they are ready to perform. They adapted to the stage area like pros,” Harry Dietzler, executive director of the Upper Darby Shooting Stars.
Dietzler added, “We feel honored that we are invited to perform in such a huge production and a great Philadelphia tradition that kicks off the holiday season for millions of people.”
