Hi, my name is Madlyn Harrell, and I’m the co-captain of the 2025-2026 Gulf Breeze High School Varsity Dance Team. This year marks the beginning of my senior year—an incredibly special time—and I’ve been given the opportunity of a lifetime: performing in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City!

This dream is one I’ve worked toward for years. Dance isn’t just an activity for me—it’s a passion I’ve poured my heart and soul into since I was little. It's how I express myself, how I connect with others, and how I keep going even when life has been incredibly difficult.

When I was 12 years old, I lost my dad. That loss shook my world and changed the course of my life forever. Since then, it’s been just my mom, my sister, and me. My mom has been my greatest supporter, cheerleader, and rock. She’s working tirelessly to help make this trip possible for me—but the costs are overwhelming, and we can’t do it without your help.

This opportunity isn’t just about dancing in front of millions of people—it’s about honoring the hard work, sacrifice, and resilience that brought me here. It’s about standing tall, doing what I love, and making my dad proud.

Your support would help cover:

Travel to and from New York City

Parade and performance fees

Professional choreography and rehearsals

Custom uniforms

Hotel accommodations and meals

Once-in-a-lifetime team bonding activities

And helping bring my mom and my sister with me—so they can witness this unforgettable moment by my side

I’m also doing my part: I’m working a part-time job and saving every dollar I can. But between school, work, and life, there’s only so much I can manage on my own.

If you want to support me but are unable to do so financially, donating Delta airline miles would be an amazing and meaningful way to help us with travel costs! If you have unused miles and would like to contribute them, please reach out through this campaign—I’d be so grateful. Every contribution—whether it’s $5, $50, or 5,000 miles—gets me one step closer to walking (and dancing!) down the streets of New York, living out a dream that honors both my passion and my family. Even if you can't give, sharing this campaign with your friends, family, or on social media means the world to me. Thank you for believing in me, supporting me, and helping make this dream come true.

With love,

Madlyn Harrell