One Selma cheerleader has the privilege of participating in a Thanksgiving parade held at what many consider the happiest place on Earth.

Morgan Academy’s Jheryl Porter, 14, was selected to perform in the Walt Disney World’s Thanksgiving parade as a Universal Cheerleaders Association All-American Cheerleader. She was the only person in the Selma-Dallas County area selected to participate in Thursday’s parade.

“I’m really honored, because I have been cheering for six years,” Porter said. “It’s special to me.”

UCA provides high quality educational training for college and high school cheerleaders through summer camps and clinics, according to UCA’s website.

After auditioning and reviewing numerous entries, the organization selected 500 elementary, junior high and high school cheerleaders and dancers across the country to perform in the annual Walt Disney World’s Thanksgiving parade in Orlando.

Porter’s mother, Jeanne Tepper, said Porter worked hard to cheer with the group. She said she watched her daughter study the DVD the shows the participants the routines they will be performing Thursday.

“I have just watched her progress and get more talented and more skilled,” Tepper said. “I’m finally seeing the fruit of all of her hard work.”

Porter said she is also excited about the perks that come with the trip, including spending some fun time in Walt Disney World before she has to start preparing for the big performance.

“I will like getting to spend time with a bunch of other cheerleaders, going to all the parks and the parade itself,” she said.

Tepper said she is proud of her daughter for earning this opportunity.

“I am so proud of her,” Tepper said. “She was born to cheer.”