Jerri has a difficult time in Noblet's class when she's asked to read from Moby Dick. When she realizes that cheerleaders get all the guys, plus they're treated with kid gloves in class, she decides to try out for the Donkettes squad. She learns right away that cheerleaders need to know how to spell. Her illiteracy is quickly revealed and Jerri is immediately subjected to complete humiliation.

Someone hits Mr. Jellineck with their car, and the whole school is turned upside-down trying to find the culprit. Meanwhile, Jerri wrestles with her conscience, and Mr. Noblet considers revealing his secret feelings for Geoffrey in an effort to encourage his recovery.

Feeling rejected by her classmates and abandoned by her family, Jerri is seduced into joining a religious cult.

After first attempting to stop Jerri from escaping, the leader of the cult realizes how annoying she is and tries to get rid of her, while Principle Blackman, Mr. Noblet and Mr. Jellineck try to rescue her.