The ACS Cheer Squad and members of the ACS Boy Scout Troop 389 and Cub Scout Pack 389, joined by ACS parents and staff, marched in the Memorial Day Parade in Longport, NJ on Monday, May 31 to honor the memory of those who have served in the U.S. military and given their lives for their service.

The cheerleaders and scouts were also joined by ACS parents and staff as they walked the half-mile long parade route along 35th Avenue and Ventnor Avenue in Longport. The parade, which was organized by American Legion Post 459, concluded at the Thomas B. Reed Park near the Longport Bridge, where a Memorial Day ceremony was held.

This is the second year that the ACS scouts have marched in the parade. ACS 5th grader Brandon Jorgenson carried the U.S. flag at the head of the procession, flanked by ACS 11th grader Joshua Guevara, who carried the Troop’s Boy Scout Jersey Shore Council flag.

“We were so glad to have the opportunity to participate in the parade and help honor the memory of so many fallen heroes,” said staff member Kelly Flynn. Flynn and staff member Kelly Gibson are co-coaches of the ACS Cheer Squad, which has 23 students in middle school and high school.

It was the first time that the ACS cheerleaders had participated in the event. The cheerleaders handed out candy and ACS pens, and waved at the children and families who lined the streets of the parade route and watched from balconies.