Cheerleader Aaliyah Leonard, was offered the opportunity of a lifetime. Being a member of the Universal Cheerleading Association, also known as UCA, Leonard was given the privilege to   travel to London and perform in the New Year’s Day Parade.

“The parade started at Piccadilly and finished in Parliament Square,” Leonard said. “Throughout the parade there was about 8 different designated spots that we performed at.”

Leonard first tried out for Universal Cheerleading Associations in June of 2014 and was awarded a medal for becoming part of the team. Six cheerleaders from Akins are part of UCA but for the trip Leonard was the only one who paid $4,000.

“I love London and traveling is one of my favorite things to do,” Leonard said. “I always knew I wanted to go to London one day, I just didn’t think it would be so soon and being able to go through something I love, cheering. It was a dream come true.”

Leonard went to London during winter break and departed the day after Christmas and spent her New Year’s Day holiday there. Leonard traveled a total of 18 hours round trip.

Despite the long travel and expense Leonard said she had a wonderful time exploring and being around a new culture.

Jason Leonard, Aaliyah’s dad said he was very proud of her being able to take responsibility traveling alone and representing her school, family and country.

“When Aaliyah first told me about the trip to London, I thought it was an impossible dream,” Melissa Barrientes, Aaliyah’s mom said.  “But when I saw the parade, and my beautiful daughter there amongst all the other cheerleaders, the pride I felt was beyond measure.