FLEMING ISLAND — High school senior Juliana Medley could not stop the smile on her face when she learned that she would be gracing the Big Apple in November.

But not just as a tourist, but a performer in one of the biggest events of the year — the 100th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Medley will join about 600 dancers in the Spirit of America Dance Stars, performing in front of 3.5 million live spectators - not to mention the more than 50 million viewers at home. As the opening act of the parade, the dance group is made up of female and male dancers ages 13 to 18 from studios and school teams across the United States.

The nerves won't get the best of Medley, though, who can't shake her excitement.

"I was pretty shocked to be honest," she said. "Like, 'Wow.'"

In addition to performing in the parade, Medley, along with the various new dance friends that she will meet, will also have the chance to go sightseeing.

Medley has been dancing since she was 2 years old. She began competing when she was 7. Dance, she said, provides a way for her to express her emotions when words aren't enough.

"Dancing is how I'm able to put myself out there, express my feelings and just do what I truly love to do," she said.

It's also become a way to connect with her grandmother.

"She always use to watch me dance all the time," Medley said. "And now that she's not here, I really just dance not just for myself, but also for her."

Medley and her family moved to Florida from Texas. Now, she dances at Relevé Academy of Dance in Orange Park. And as a student at Bishop Snyder High, she also helped to create the school's first-ever dance team, the Cardettes  — where she currently holds the title of captain.

"I did cheer my junior year, but that was while I was figuring out how to make a dance team," she said. "So, me and my friend Ella, we made the dance team. We founded it all, we talked to all the people behind the scenes, all that stuff. We figured out the coaches, the uniforms and everything."

The next step in her journey, she said, is raising money to get to New York City. As a solo participant, Medley said she is funding the experience all on her own to reach her target of $5,500. Although halfway there, she said she's still hoping to meet the total amount. The money will be used towards the week-long trip, including participation, choreography, costumes, travel and lodging expenses.

Those interested in donating can visit gofund.me/fbbbea106.