Chisholm Trail High School celebrated a historic moment for the school and Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD when cheer captain Brooklyn Hammond represented Varsity Spirit in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Honolulu, Hawaii, in December. The event marked the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and was a moving experience for Hammond and the other cheerleaders invited to take part.

“Being selected as an All-American Cheerleader and performing in the Varsity Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade was a true honor,” said Hammond. “Representing Chisholm Trail High School and Texas at such a prestigious event and connecting with cheerleaders from across the country made it an unforgettable experience.”

Cheerleaders and dancers invited to participate in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade were part of a select group of All-Americans identified at Varsity Spirit summer camps nationwide. They were chosen based on exceptional cheerleading or dance skills and outstanding leadership abilities. Hammond and her CTHS cheer teammates attended the Universal Cheerleaders Association Cheer Camp held at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, where Hammond was selected as an All-American. The distinction is earned by only the top 12% of cheerleaders and dancers at all Varsity Spirit camps across the country.

“The overall experience was truly incredible. The parade was so much fun, and Hawaii was absolutely beautiful,” Hammond said. “Connecting with other All-American cheerleaders from across the country was definitely one of the highlights. I also had the amazing opportunity to see sea turtles and other sea life up close while scuba diving, and the views from the helicopter tour over Oahu’s waterfalls and beaches were breathtaking.”

During the parade, Hammond performed alongside Varsity Spirit All-Americans before thousands of spectators lining the streets of Waikiki Beach. The event honored veterans and their families.

“One of the most memorable moments for me was visiting Pearl Harbor, and my dad being a veteran made it especially significant,” Hammond shared. “Seeing the artifacts, touring the ships, and learning from veterans and their families about the history and significance of the site was moving and impactful. I’m so grateful to have been part of such a powerful experience. It’s something I will never forget.”

Athletes who participated in the event also visited the Pearl Harbor Memorial and USS Missouri Battleship and enjoyed a traditional Hawaiian luau.

“We were thrilled that these excellent athletes had the chance to perform and experience our special events in Honolulu,” said Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit. “We were honored to provide athletes with a one-of-a-kind opportunity, where they met and connected with cheerleaders and dancers from across the country and created memorable experiences on the beautiful island of Oahu.”

Hammond’s participation in this national event underscored the caliber of cheer talent at CTHS and EMS ISD. 

We are #EMSproud of Brooklyn Hammond for representing Chisholm Trail High School and EMS ISD at this prestigious national event.