Final answer:
George W. Bush was the head cheerleader in high school, which is reflective of his later role as a unifying president, particularly demonstrated when he threw the first pitch at a World Series game after 9/11.
Step-by-step explanation:
The president who was the head cheerleader in high school was George W. Bush. Before his presidency, Bush was known for his involvement in sports and school activities, where one of his positions was as head cheerleader. His connection with sports continued into his presidency, notably when he threw the ceremonial first pitch in game 3 of the 2001 World Series, just a few months after the events of 9/11, standing as a unifying symbol for the nation.
The role of the president as a unifying figure is significant, and various presidents have used media and public appearances to foster national unity, much like George W. Bush did with baseball, America's pastime. Ronald Reagan's tenure as a Hollywood actor and his famous speeches reveal a deep connection with the public, similar to George W. Bush's appeal through familiar cultural symbols such as sports.