Benson takes part in London parade

Chelsea Benson outside of Buckingham Palace during her recent visit to London [Click to enlarge]

Rector High School senior Chelsea Benson has long been known as a bright, hard-working young lady. With these qualities, the 18-year-old daughter of Bruce and LaVonda Benson was one of four Arkansas cheerleaders chosen to take part in a New Year's Day parade in London, England.

Benson received the opportunity following her selection as an All-American Cheerleader during a summer camp held by the Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA). RHS cheerleaders Ashley Williams and Melissa Weaver also were selected as All-Americans, but did not make the trip to London.

Benson said she was thrilled when she was offered the opportunity to take part in the London parade. She left from Chicago's O'Hare Airport on Dec. 27, arriving at London's Heathrow Airport. Benson returned home Jan. 2.

"I wanted to go so bad. When I found out they chose me, I was so excited. I couldn't believe it."

Benson, who was accompanied by her mother, stayed in the Tower Hotel, located across the street from the famous Tower of London. Accommodations and meals were provided for the 800 cheerleaders in her group.

The cheerleaders would gather to practice their routine, a dance performance to Michael Jackson's "Wanna Be Starting Something."

Of course, the visit to such an historic city was not without several fun sight-seeing opportunities.

"We went all over the city," Benson said. "We toured in smaller groups. We went to Westminster Abbey. It is so gorgeous. We saw the Tower of London and Big Ben. We got to see so many of the famous sites."

Benson was able to see many London locales during a ride atop one of the famous "double-decker" buses.

Her group's performance was well-received by the large crowds.

"It was amazing. Everywhere you looked there were people applauding and cheering for us," she said. "The crowds were just incredible. We walked, like, two miles and there were people cheering for us the whole time."

While Benson said she was happy to see her home again, the memories of her visit to London will forever hold a special place in her heart.

"It was insane to be on a whole other continent. It was so much fun.

"If anyone has a chance to visit, though, they should go in the summer. It's way too cold to go in winter. I've never been so cold in my entire life."

Benson has been cheerleading since the ninth grade. She also is involved in FFA, German Club, Pep Club, Student Council and Science Club. Benson serves as president of the Senior Class and German Club.