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Date: 10/17/2018
WEST SPRINGFIELD – Two best friends have earned the opportunity of a lifetime. After competing in a cheerleading competition, Kiara Walker and Haley Cell, West Springfield High School seniors and cheerleaders, are raising money to embark on a trip to London, England where they will march in the London New Year’s Parade.
The girls won the chance to walk in the parade after competing for the title of All American while attending a UCA Cheerleading Camp at Westfield State University this past summer. After winning the coveted title, the best friends qualified for the opportunity to travel to London, but they need $3,500 dollars to take the trip.
With the clock ticking, the girls and their families are working hard to help them reach their goal and make their dreams come true.
Cell’s mother, Crystal Bourke, explained why the trip is important to her daughter and her cheer mate. “They are seniors in high school and have been best friends since elementary school, and now they will spend a week in London together on the trip of a lifetime.”
If they are able to raise enough money, the girls will leave on December 26 to represent West Springfield in the parade. Bourke has been doing all that she can to help the best friends save up. Bourke shared, “This means a lot. We have been working so hard to earn this money. From standing outside of stores with cans to take donations, to bringing back thousands of cans to redemption. Even painting West Springfield High School paw prints on people’s driveways. They have done outstanding work.”
To help raise funds for their trip to London, Walker and Cell will be hosting an All American London Fundraiser Dinner on Oct. 20 from 4-7:30 p.m. The dinner will be located at 337 Piper Rd in West Springfield. Tickets cost $8 per person and include dinner, dessert and beverages. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by emailing Crystal Bourke at crystalbourke@gmail.com.
With a community cheering them on, Kiara Walker and Haley Cell are sure to be off to London this winter.