Two, four ,six, eight, who do we appreciate?!

For the Tombstone High School cheerleading squad that is an easy question — the Tombstone community. The squad is preparing to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 26 for the first time.

The squad received a formal invitation from Mike Miller & Associates, the planning company that selects squads and individual cheerleaders from across the nation who show extraordinary skill and strength in cheerleading.

Sandy Thrasher, coach of THS cheerleading squad, believes that their invitation came from winning the title of Top Game Day Team from the National Cheerleading Association during a four day NCA camp held every summer at Northern Arizona University.

“(The squad) has received a bid to Nationals and we have seven (people) nominated for the All American Cheer Team,” Thrasher said.

Thrasher, coach of eight years, said that the community really stepped up when it came time to fundraise for the packages and airfare for the team. Thrasher said, for nine cheerleaders and one coach the total expense of this once in a lifetime opportunity came to about $25,000.

Some examples of fundraisers was the golf tournament in Benson held by Six Gun City which raised $2,500 and a dinner under the Rose Garden which raised about $3,000.

“The community has been fantastic. Just incredible,” Thrasher said.

The squad, consisting of 12 girls and two boys, will send nine of Tombstone’s squad to New York. Although the team will not be wearing the distinguished Yellow Jackets colors, they will be joining about 600 other teams and individuals parading down New York City’s 7th Avenue as a part of Mike Miller’s Dancers in the performance group category. Historically the parade took place down Broadway, but this year moved for better views for spectators.

“None of us have ever been to New York which makes it even more exciting,” said senior Anzie Devere.

In addition to the parade the team will attend one Broadway show, shop in Times Square and tour Radio City Music Hall.

This opportunity opened the squad’s eyes not only to life in the big apple but also to the enormous amount of support from their small community and what doors it opens for the squad in the years to come.

“This (opportunity) really shows our progression as a squad. It shows how proud Tombstone is of us,” said junior Felicia Nuñez.

“This is a huge deal. No one has ever gotten this type of experience before. Even though we’re a little town and a little school we’re still there,” Devere said.