The 44th annual Jamestown High School Battle of the Classes will take place on Thursday, April 10th at 6:30 PM in the McElrath Gymnasium. Proceeds from the annual competition will benefit the Anthony Senske Memorial Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.
The event is a school-wide competition that includes games, skills contests, and dance-offs to celebrate several weeks worth of intense fundraising for a community organization. Over the last four decades, the school has raised more than $300,000 for community organizations and charities.
JHS Student Organization advisor Betsy Rowe-Baehr says, "Battle of the Classes is a tradition. It's a night of fun, tug of war, dances, relay races -- it's really playful, but it's also an opportunity for the school to get around raising money for a charitable organization. All the classes will be raising money during this time, and we encourage the community to donate if possible, attend, and support these events as we teach students the importance of giving back to our community."
The JHS Student Organization, which is composed of each class council, chose the Senske Fund as a way of paying tribute to a late classmate, Anthony Senske, a beloved student in the district for many years, who passed away on April 5, 2024. The fund, created in his memory by his parents Kristi and Cory, awards grants annually to organizations and activities Anthony enjoyed like Stones Buddies, Harrison's Playmakers, and the Special Olympics. It also aims to help make activities around the community accessible to children with disabilities.
Those interested in donating can contact Rowe-Baehr at [email protected]. Tickets are $1 pre-sale and $2 at the door and can be purchased from any JHS class council member or by contacting the school at (716) 483-3470.
Photo by Jamestown Public Schools
