The Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) was founded in the 70’s. Each year they offer summer camps and clinics for both college and high school cheerleaders to attend. This past winter break four of our own cheerleaders traveled to London to participate in one of the most popular UCA events.

“Over the summer the senior cheerleaders from RHS went to the All- American tryouts which consisted of a dance, a cheer, and a jump. If they picked you, you got the opportunity to travel to London and cheer in the New Year’s Day Parade. ,” senior Taylor Stevens said.

“About 10,000 girls try out every year but maybe only 10% of those girls are chosen,” senior Kaley Burgess said.

The trip was focused on cheer, however the girls were given a lot of time to tour the famous sites of London.

“While we were there we practiced the dance we’d be performing on one day and then toured London for the rest of the trip,” Stevens said.

“We saw Windsor Castle, Tower of London, the London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street, Tower Bridge, and Abbey Road,” senior Rylie Veik said.

“When we went to Abbey Road (where the famous Beatles picture was taken) we kept taking the wrong train so we would start walking and Abbey Road was nowhere to be found. When we returned back to the train station there was this big sign that had the picture of the Beatles and said ‘If you’re looking for this Abbey Road you’re in the wrong place’. It was funny that we missed the huge sign,” Burgess said.

While seeing the sites was a good experience, all of the girls would agree that the food was nothing to write home about.

“I’m going to have to say the worst part of the trip was the food. Don’t go to England for their cuisine,” senior Breanna Alexander said.

“It was really cool seeing how different England is compared to the USA but the food was probably the worst part; you can’t beat good, greasy American food,” Stevens said.

“I was gone for a week and starved for a week,” Burgess said.

Terrible food set aside, the trip was well worth it.

“The best part of the trip was getting to travel with my close friends,” Stevens said.

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to cheer in the parade,” Alexander said.

“The best part about going to London was experiencing a new place and culture. I am so thankful I get to travel out of the country at my age and see things I’ve never seen before. It really reminds you that the world is so big and there are many places to explore. I definitely want to keep traveling in the future,” Veik said.