NORWICH — A Norwich High School Varsity Cheerleader has been selected as an All-American Cheerleader after trying out in from of more than 200 individuals, and has now been presented with the opportunity to represent Norwich in London to participate in a weeklong event.

Olivia Thompson, a senior at NHS, is diligently attempting to raise the necessary funds to make the journey to London to represent her hometown. One of the events incorporated in the trip is participation in London’s New Year’s Day parade.

“Cheerleading is my passion and I cheer everyday anywhere I am,” said Thompson. “I have always dreamed of excelling as a cheerleader and going above and beyond the standard expectations with this sport.”

In order to make Thompson’s dream of traveling to London a reality, she must raise a total of $5,000. To lighten the burden for the high-schooler, there are multiple deadlines by which certain amounts of money are due toward the trip.

Thompson’s first deadline is Monday, Oct. 6, where she will need to have $1,000.

“It’s a lot,” said Cheerleading coach Marie DeSarro. “A lot to raise and a lot to try and get together in very little time. We are pushing for this to happen for Olivia, as it’s a great opportunity for her, our cheerleading program and the school. It’s incredible to have her represent our country at this event.”

DeSarro added that Thompson is a very skilled cheerleader and goes the extra mile by putting in extra time in the weight room and the gym, and works hard in the off-season.

“She’s become an incredible leader on the team, one that her teammates always feel they can go to for advice and help,” said DeSarro. “Olivia maintains good grades and is also a part of the New Visions Allied Health program this year. She always volunteers to help with our fundraisers and community service events that our program participates in.”

Donations bins have been out at both the Varsity and Junior Varsity games since Thompson’s fundraising began. The school’s athletic department has also been accepting donations.

A Vendor Fair has been scheduled to take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6, at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church at 37 West Main St. in Norwich. A percentage of sales from each of the vendors will be donated to Thompson for her trip to London.

Vendors include but are not limited to Younique, Origami Owl, DoTerra, Pampered Chef, Thirty One, Tastefully Simple, Park Lane Jewelry, IT Works, Cookie Lee Jewelry and Pink Zebra. A Chinese Auction will be taking place at the event with baskets to be raffled.

While the first deadline for funds is Oct. 6, there are additional deadlines and Thompson, DeSarro, and members of the community will continue to push for Thompson’s dream to become a reality.

Chinese Auctions will take place throughout the month of October at football games.

An auction will be set up to support Thompson at Norwich’s Homecoming game against Chenango Valley on Friday, Oct. 10. Additional dates include Friday, Oct. 17, Norwich Varsity football against Susquehanna Valley — which is NHS’s Senior Night, and Saturday, Oct. 25, Junior Varsity football against Oneonta.

Any other vendors who would like to participate in Monday’s event are encouraged to contact DeSarro directly at 316-0763 or MTDeSarro1802@hotmail.com.

“All of my dedication, hard work, and long hours that was put into cheerleading is finally paying off. If I can cheer in London, then my dream would come true and I would be so thankful for everything,” said Thompson. “I am determined to raise this money so I can make not only everyone around me proud, but make myself proud as well.”

For further information, facebook.com/events/551121451655841/?ref=br_tf, gofundme.com/dnfyzk, or email DeSarro.