A set of Shawnee twins will be among those participating in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
Robbi and Rayli Autrey-Williams, who are seniors at Shawnee High School, will be among those watched by millions on Thanksgiving Day morning.
The two each received scholarships to participate in the parade through an audition process during the summer, Russell-Hines said. They are among 600 pom pom students selected throughout the United States to participate.
They will be joining the likes of Abby Cadabby, Buzz Light Year, Dora The Explorer and the Energizer Bunny, and hundreds of others.
“I’m excited to go to be a part of the once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Robbi said. “I’m glad my parents are letting me go.”
Rayli agreed with Robbi’s sentiments, adding she feels like their hard work has paid off.
The shy pair didn’t elaborate much on their trip, but said they are students at Broadway Dance Expressions under the direction of Meredith Russell-Hines.
“They both have been really talented,” Russell-Hines said. “It makes me really proud.”
The twins’ mother, Marquetta Williams, will accompany her daughters on the trip and is looking forward to many things.
Among those things she anticipates are, “just the ambiance of being with that many girls and that high production and meeting lots of new people,” she said.
The twins, 17, were four years old when they began dancing, their mom said.
“Wow, it’s like what do you say, wow,” Williams said about her daughters going to New York City. “Follow your dreams and it will come true. It’s coming true and it feels good. If you’re a good person and you do good things, good things will happen to you.”
The girls’ stepfather, Robert L. Williams, said he also is excited for the girls and their opportunity.
“I was extremely proud of the girls,” he said. “They work so hard at their dancing and it is nice to see that they are recognized for that effort.”
He said that this is a once in a lifetime event for the twins.
“I am excited that the girls have this opportunity,” he said. “I want them to experience this. They deserve it. This is all about the girls.”
But the opportunity didn’t come without effort, their stepfather said.
“They have worked hard for many years at their dancing skills,” Robert Williams said. “Their mother and I have supported their efforts and encouraged them to reach for the stars in relation to their dreams. This is one of those stars that they have obtained. I am extremely happy for them.”
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Josh Burton may be reached by calling 214-3926.
SHAWNEE, Okla. —
