Years of practice, discipline and hard work have paid off for two Norridge teens.
Haley Soltwedel and Brittany Susmarski will be participating in London’s New Year’s Day parade.
The Norridge residents were among those chosen to perform with other All-Star Camp members from across the country.
They will be leaving the day after Christmas and coming back the day after New Year’s Day.
For the parade, they will have to learn, from a CD, a dance, a cheer and a jump.
They will have one day to practice their routine with the other All-Star Camp members before performing in the parade.
All-Star is more competitive and has more difficult routines than what the Ridgewood High School squad performs along the sidelines at Ridgewood games, the two explained.
“All-Star is more intense,” Susmarski said.
“There’s more training needed,” Soltwedel said.
Both Susmarski and Soltwedel have been cheerleading since joining the Norridge Park District’s program at early ages.
Soltwedel’s introduction came when she was 5 years old.
“I just love it and I find it so rewarding,” she said of her decision to continue with the sport.
Susmarski followed in her sister’s footsteps.
“I was three years old, so I was too young to be on the team, but I got to be the (Norridge Park District team’s) mascot,” she said.
Camaraderie between Soltwedel and Susmarski built up over the years.
In grammar school, both competed against each other because they were on different teams.
Once they made the Ridgewood squad, compatibility came quickly.
“When we tried out and made the team, we instantly became friends,” Susmarski said.
When asked if her version was accurate, Soltwedel quickly responded in the affirmative.
Both agreed knowing their routine in the London parade will be the scariest day of their lives, they look forward to the challenge.
“It’s the rush you get when you perform,” Susmarski said.