FAYETTE, Mo. - As part of the University's commitment to the NAIA Champions of Character initiative, the Central Methodist Spirit Squad will be volunteering for the Fayette Head Start program monthly. The cheerleaders and dancers will be at the Center during the day and evenings to assist in any way they are needed with the children in the center.�

The year-long commitment started on Wednesday, as members of the team helped with face-painting, art projects, and other miscellaneous tasks.�

"We are happy to be able to give back to the Fayette community in this way," Eagles' coach Terin Fuemmeler said. "We are excited for the time we will get to spend at the center and with the kids throughout the year."

Established in 1965, Head Start is a national child development program for children from birth to age 5, which provides services to promote academic, social and emotional development, as well as providing social, health and nutrition services for income-eligible families. Head Start has served more than 18 million children and their families. Currently there are more than 1,500 Head Start programs and 16,000 sites nationwide.

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