The 2017-2018 Warrior dance team has been fundraising since spring of 2017 in hopes of raising $40,000 to fly to New York City and perform in the 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The dance team earned the opportunity to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade by placing first at the 2017 Spirit Shine Celebration’s state-wide competition in Kissimmee, Fla. Spirit Shine Celebration is a competition for all dance, cheer, gymnastics and flag teams with ages ranging from pre-school through college. This competition has been held annually in Florida since 2014 and in Michigan since 1987.

“[Winning States] was amazing! It really validated all of our hard work last year, and it definitely inspired us to do bigger and better things like try to perform at the Orange Bowl half-time show,” said dance team coach Rebecca Hansen. Hansen also teaches Speech and Debate and Global Perspectives.

Even though the team members worked hard to receive this honor, they will not be able to attend this year’s parade due to the short notice and the lack of funding. However, their invitation was extended until 2018, and the team is planning on performing.

“Because it was so last minute we weren’t able to attend this year. We are doing numerous fundraisers like collecting donations at all of the JHS football games. We are also having a Chipotle fundraiser on Sept. 9 from 5- 9 p.m.,” said junior and captain Gina Manno.

The team hopes the extra time will help them raise $40,000 so they can fly to New York City and perform in the 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“I’m really excited for this year, all the new dancers we have, and I can’t wait to raise the money and have the best year,” said junior Kaya Mancini.