A teenager has been chosen to take part in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Hot Springs, Arkansas – The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade celebrates its 98th anniversary this year, bringing with it a fresh lineup of iconic floats, lively music, marching bands, and vibrant color guard performances.

This year, the Macy’s Great American Marching Band has selected approximately 225 students from various states, and an Arkansas teenager has earned her spot independently.

“I was just thinking, oh my god, oh my god, I got in, this is amazing,” Lycci Pan expressed.

Pan is currently in their final year at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts (ASMSA) located in Hot Springs. She seized control of her color guard journey and is now embracing the opportunity she has always dreamed of.

Although Hot Springs and New York City are over 1,200 miles apart, Pan finds himself right in the heart of the Big Apple during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Pan has earned a place in the flag color guard for the prestigious Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year.

Pan expressed that color guard is her passion; however, ASMSA lacks a team for it.
“I recall going out to the school’s courtyard and twirling my flag,” Pan shared.

Prior to her transfer to ASMSA, she participated in a color guard team. However, lacking that opportunity at her new school, she sought out her own path.

“That’s how I first discovered this opportunity at Macy’s,” Pan remarked. “I was unable to follow my passion as I desired at my current school, so I needed to seek alternative paths.”

Her aspiration was accompanied by a series of steps to apply. She needed to create a video featuring a routine that highlights her marching skills, along with showcasing various tricks.
Pan successfully assembled her routine directly on campus.

“The process lasted approximately a month,” Pan stated. “I began by combining various moves I’ve picked up over time, and ultimately, I crafted a single performance.”

She will always remember the moment when the announcement email arrived during her 4th-period French class.

“I checked my phone and noticed a message that said congratulations, Macy’s,” Pan remembered. “I was completely stunned when I shared it with my friend; my jaw was dropped for a full five minutes.”

While in the Big Apple, Pan is soaking in all the sights, but the Parade requires dedication, involving lengthy rehearsal days.

Pan expressed that excitement barely captures the feeling. Embracing this opportunity, she urged those aspiring for the Thanksgiving parade to step out and believe in themselves.

“Go ahead and apply regardless, because if you don’t take that step, you’ll miss out on the possibilities,” Pan stated. “I am eagerly looking forward to connecting with many new individuals, and I feel truly privileged to have this chance to share my enthusiasm.”

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicked off at 7:30 a.m. central time on November 28, 2024.