A Schuylkill Haven Area High School senior is ready to cheer today in a nationally televised college football game in Florida.

Allie Benulis, 17, left with her family on Saturday for Orlando to cheer with the All-American Team in the Citrus Bowl.

Held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, the 3 p.m. game will features a matchup between South Carolina and Illinois.

“I’m excited; this is a very good opportunity for me,” said Allie, who started cheering in ninth grade.

The Benulis family is paying for the trip’s expenses and plan to enjoy some Orlando attractions while they’re in town.

A varsity member of the Schuylkill Haven Cheerleading Squad, this is the first time Allie has gone to a bowl game.

“It’s on national TV, so it’s exciting,” said Steve Benulis, Allie’s dad.

Over the summer she went to a cheerleading camp with students from Schuylkill Haven and Blue Mountain, hosted by the Universal Cheerleaders Association. During the two-day camp in June, she practiced cheers, auditioned and was selected for the All-American Team.

Being chosen is a prestigious honor that gives high school cheerleaders the opportunity to participate in numerous events, such as the Citrus Bowl.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cheer in a bowl game,” Steve Benulis said.

Allie wants to pursue a career in education. She plans to start college at Penn State Schuylkill, majoring in elementary education, then transfer to University Park. Allie is the granddaughter of Tom Boyle, and the late Jane Boyle of Hunter Street in Tamaqua.