JHS seniors Emma Olson, Kate Kathman, Ashlyn Galeazzo, Braelyn Peterson, Nilla Ecklof, Mary Bailey, Lauren Prynn, and McKenzie Pickett stand with advisor Ashley Merchant behind the “Penny Wars” dispensers. The annual “Penny Wars” fundraiser — a month-long fundraising competition organized by JHS Student Organization — will help establish the new RISE (Red and Green in Support of Everyone) Fund.

A longtime Jamestown High School tradition is underway with a new twist to expand its impact throughout the year.

The annual “Penny Wars” fundraiser — a month-long fundraising competition organized by JHS Student Organization — will help establish the new RISE (Red and Green in Support of Everyone) Fund. The fund aims to provide assistance to JHS students who may have experienced various hardships throughout the school year.

Among the first recipients of the fund will be a senior at Jamestown High School, who wishes to remain anonymous. The student has underground treatment for Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive malignant bone cancer.

“Our student officers this year chose to extend their impact through the creation of the RISE Fund,” said Betsy Rowe Baehr, student organization co-advisor. “”The funds raised this year will also help one of our own students offset costs during what has been a difficult time. The JHS family has had a long history of giving back to one of our own in need, and we look forward to ensuring that we have the flexibility to do that throughout the school year.”

For 25 years, students have spent the holiday season raising money for a worthy cause within the JHS family, Rowe-Baehr said. Students spend the month of December leading up to the last day before the holiday break raising money for the cause. All pennies count as “positive” points and all silver and dollar bills count as “negative” points. Following the annual all-school assembly concert by the A Cappella Choir on the last day of school before break, the winning class is announced.

The highlight of the event? Losing class advisors and presidents are either “slimed” or receive a “pie to the face.” Additional incentives for students to raise money have included principals, superintendents, and other staff members being “slimed” or receiving a “pie to the face” if certain fundraising levels are achieved.

But most of all, the school has spent the holiday season focusing on what’s most important: giving back to the community.

“Penny Wars has become a great tradition over the years,” said Ashley Merchant, senior class advisor. “JHS has raised nearly $100,000 for worthy causes within the JHS family. The students and staff look forward to this very meaningful event which gives back to one of their own, especially during the holiday season.”

Donations must be received by the end of the school day on Thursday, Dec. 19 to be counted toward the competition. Those interested in donating to a certain class’s Penny Wars campaign can contact any JHS class council member, advisor, or contact the school at (716) 483-3470.