College Community Standouts

We all enjoy watching the cheerleaders keep the crowd's excitement level up through their chants and performances during a college football game. However, we may not think about the fact that sometimes the cheerleaders are as much a part of public relations and are responsible for contributing to the community as others at the college.

Community contributions may include personal appearances as charity benefit or other fundraising events, visiting critically ill children in the hospital, or visiting schools. On school visits, they can take the opportunity to encourage students to stay in school and study hard by showing them an example of what college life has to offer.

One particular event that college cheerleaders often attend is the Department of Veteran Affairs - National Salute Week. College cheerleaders from UCLA have participated in National Salute Week in the past by visiting hospitalized veterans in Veteran's Hospitals. They performed cheers and generally brightened the veterans' day with their appearance, performances, and show of support for those who are being cared for in these facilities.

The University of Texas POM Squad acts as college community standouts each Friday when they help the Austin Meals on Wheels and More organization. This organization is an independent organization run by local volunteers in the Austin community.

POM Squad members have adopted a route, and each Friday they take meals and other necessities to senior citizens who cannot leave their homes. Their visits are looked forward to by those who take advantage of the program, and one participant commented on how much easier it is for her to live at home, thanks to the UT POM Squad's generous donation of their time.

Other college cheerleading teams have the same opportunity to serve their communities. The Ohio State University cheerleading squad, along with their mascot and pep band recently participated in the second annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Their participation, along with that of others, resulted in over $515,000 being raised. The money will be used for autism research.