Tracie Mendietta Tracie Mendietta a freshman at Riviera Kaufer High School was one of more than 300 cheerleaders and dancers from across the United States who performed in the 60th H-E-B Holiday Parade on Thanksgiving Day in Houston, one of the oldest Thanksgiving Day parades in the country.

The individuals to perform in the parade were cheerleading and dance All Americans selected from Varsity’s summer camps throughout the country, including Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), Universal Dance Association (UDA), National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), National Dance Alliance (NDA) and American Cheerleaders Association (ACA).

All Americans were selected via tryout based on the superior cheerleading or dance skills they showed at camp. Only the top 12 percent of the cheerleaders and dancers who attended Varsity camps earned the chance to march in a holiday parade of this caliber.

Tracie performed with the UCA Varsity All American group in the annual Thanksgiving Day festivities through the heart of downtown Houston for tens of thousands of spectators lining the parade route.

The event was televised in the Houston area, and syndicated throughout the U.S.

The UCA Varsity All American program is celebrating its 23rd year of choosing camp standouts.

Tracie is the daughter of Joey and Tricia Mendietta of Riviera.

Maternal grandparents are George and Carmen Gonzales.

Paternal grandparents are Joe and Chris Mendietta.

Tracie would like to thank everyone who helped sponsor her trip to Houston.