The cheerleading squad of Pekin Community High School is a squad that is always helping out their community. Whether it is raking leaves for the elderly, caroling at nursing homes, leading the Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Walk, painting faces at the Children’s Hospital of Illinois, helping with the Special Olympics or hosting a cheer camp for young girls, they are always there to lend a helping hand to their community.

One community project they will never forget was when they volunteered on the Extreme Home Makeover Show. It started when their superintendent got a call from the producer of EHMS looking for student volunteers. Superintendent, Colleen Kahl knew right away the cheer team would do a wonderful job and be more than willing to help out.

When the cheerleaders found out, they were happy to help. Most of the girls knew at least one member of the family being helped, and knew that the family had a history of giving back to their community. Now it was time for them to be on the receiving end.

“The filming was an unforgettable experience," say's Colleen Kahl, the Pekins cheer coach. "Being able to participate in ‘Move that bus’ was so touching and memorable. It brought home how lucky many people are and why it is important to give back in every possible way. The girls will never be the same, nor will I.”