Escambia Academy senior cheerleader Mikayla Spruill will take to the streets of London as a participant in the 2016 London New Year’s Day Parade on Friday.

Spruill was selected as a UCA All-American while at cheer camp last summer. She said she received a packet letting her know about the opportunity to cheer in the parade.

“I’m very excited,” Spruill said.

The first New Year’s Day Parade in London took place on Jan. 1, 1987. The parade was called “The Lord Mayor of Westminster’s Big Parade,” and featured some 2,000 performers, mostly marching bands. The parade meandered its way from Berkeley Street to Portland Place via the Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street and Oxfords Circus. The parade evolved into a big hit among participants and spectators alike.

To this day, the parade raises money for charities in the capital of England.

When asked what she’s looking forward to the most, other than cheering in the event, Spruill said it’s being able to have time to tour around and look at some of the oldest structures in London.

“We get two free days for our groups to tour by themselves, and do whatever we want to do,” she said.

Spruill and the rest of the cheerleaders participating in the parade left the day after Christmas, and will return on Jan. 2.

Spruill, a multi-sport athlete, started cheering for EA since her eighth grade year and even before in the pee wee league.

Cheering is in her top two favorite things to do, other than track, she said.

Spruill is the daughter of James and Susan Spruill of Atmore.