Every cheerleader aspires to one day make it to the big time.

For high school cheerleaders, it doesn't come any bigger than the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of a nationwide audience.By virtue of their talents, that's exactly what Palmerton Area High School seniors Kristen Ahner and Olivia Green are prepared to do when they perform in the 88th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday.At that time, the girls will join a group of more than 650 cheerleaders and dance team members representing Varsity Spirit when they participate in the three-hour event, which will be televised nationally at 9 a.m. Thursday on NBC.Kristen said she can hardly wait for the experience."I am looking forward to seeing the Rockettes and the Broadway Show," Kristen said. "I would like to thank my parents for their support."Olivia said she, too, is eager for the opportunity."I am looking forward to meeting other cheerleaders from around the United States," Olivia said. "I would like to thank my friends, family, squad and coach for all of their support."While Kristen and Olivia will perform in the Big Apple, a quartet of Palmerton cheerleaders will also perform in the City of Brotherly Love.Freshmen Paige Frantz and Krista Carlin, along with eighth-grader Devyn Houser and seventh-grader Gianna Crispo, will participate in the 95th annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade.The girls will represent the Universal Cheerleaders Association when they perform on Thursday.Paige said the event ought to be "a pretty cool experience.""It's pretty awesome to get picked to be in the Philadelphia parade," Paige said. "I'd like to thank my family and my cousin Taylor for supporting me."For Krista, this will mark the second year she will participate in the event."I made it last year, and it was kind of shocking that I made it; this year, I was shocked as well," Krista said. "I'm excited, and I just want to thank my family for supporting me."Gianna, a seventh-grader, said "It was actually really shocking to me that I made it, and I think it's going to be a really amazing experience. I mainly just want to thank my family for everything I do."That the girls have reached such an esteemed level is a testament to their hard work, according to Jodi Smale, Palmerton Area High School varsity cheerleading coach."It's a really good opportunity for these girls to show their ability and what they've become," Smale said. "They will get to cheer with girls all throughout the United States, and it's a great way to gain experience."