All-American recognition sends Monroeville cheerleader to Hawaii

MONROEVILLE — Monroeville High School senior Jossalyn McCoy has been selected as a Varsity Spirit All-American and will travel to Honolulu in December to perform in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade. It's a national honor that also carries a special connection to her family and school. McCoy, a four-year varsity cheerleader and the 2025–26 cheer captain, was chosen during the UCA summer camp hosted June 26–28 at Norwalk High School. She was the only Monroeville cheerleader selected as an All-American at the camp, which included squads from across the region. Only about 12% of cheerleaders at Varsity Spirit camps nationwide receive the honor, according to a press release from the organization. This is the second consecutive year McCoy earned All-American status. The family was unable to afford last year's trip, but a large community fundraiser held over Labor Day weekend at Indian Trails Campground, supported by businesses from Monroeville, Norwalk and Sandusky, made this year's travel possible. McCoy will perform with other All-Americans in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade, held Dec. 3–8 in Honolulu. The parade marks the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and honors veterans and their families. Participants will also visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the USS Missouri Battleship, attend a luau and meet cheerleaders from across the country. In announcing this year's All-American performers, Varsity Spirit president Bill Seely said the organization was pleased to welcome the athletes to Hawaii. "It's a privilege to offer them the chance to perform in such a stunning setting, connect with peers from across the country, and be part of a celebration that highlights their talent on the beautiful island of Oahu," Seely said. The achievement carries added significance for the McCoy family. Jossalyn's mother, Faith Thompson, now Faith McCoy, earned the same honor in 1995 and traveled to Hawaii that year to perform in the Aloha Bowl as a Monroeville senior. The family believes no Monroeville cheerleader has attended the event since. A Reflector article from December 1995 documented that trip, featuring Thompson and classmate Christa Trushel as NCA All-Americans performing in Honolulu. Thirty years later, Thompson will return to Hawaii to watch her daughter perform in the same setting.