Bees to perform in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

New York, meet the Brookville High School cheerleaders.

Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade at 9 a.m. on NBC

If the trip so far is any indication, the Big Apple agrees with six Brookville cheerleaders selected to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“Everything has just been really amazing up here. I don’t think my favorite part has come yet. I can’t wait until Thursday, until we perform,” said cheerleader Ashley Cox. “To perform with five of my best friends is going to be amazing.”

The girls and their coach Amanda Dean have been in New York City since Saturday and moving at warp speed. There has been rehearsal after rehearsal and plenty of sightseeing. The troupe has visited Ground Zero, Chinatown, a Broadway play (“In the Heights” was a big hit), Fifth Avenue, Times Square and Radio City Music Hall.

“We’re all exhausted, but exhausted in a good way. We’re just trying to take in as much as we can,” Dean said. “I really have enjoyed every minute of it.”

Dean received an invitation to participate in the parade in June and had to pick six students to attend. The girls chosen are seniors and have been on the squad their entire high school careers. The trip cost about $14,000. It was paid for in part by the girls and their families and fundraisers. They would all agree it’s money well spent — the Bees will perform on a national stage.

“I have to say these six girls have been an excellent representation of not only Brookville, but the Lynchburg area,” Dean said.

While they’re thrilled with the opportunity to participate, there is one drawback.

“It’s weird,” said cheerleader Morgan Musgrove, “because it’s the first Thanksgiving any of us haven’t been home with our families.”

Cheerleader Lauren Metz, who says she’s been carrying a marker for autographs in case she spots a celebrity, admitted she’s also a little bummed the holiday won’t be spent with family.

“I am sad about it. I always get up with my mom and my sister and watch the parade on TV while my mom is cooking turkey and everything,” she said, later adding, “I am excited I will actually be in the parade. I think they are going to be scanning the TV the whole time to look for me.”

Those hoping to catch a glimpse of the local favorites will have to tune in at the parade’s start and pay attention. The Bees will join about 600 other cheerleaders to kick off the event with a choreographed routine.

The girls had to learn the routine ahead of time and said a few moves have been changed at the last minute. No matter, though, they’re pros and said they weren’t too nervous.

“Last night it went really smoothly,” said Brittany Adkins of one of the evening rehearsals. “I think it will go smoothly because they are organized.”

Cheerleader Ashley Christian said she might get a little nervous once it’s time to perform, but in the meantime the girls have other things on their mind.

“I’m waiting to go shopping at Macy’s,” Christian said.