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.

“Battle of the Classes is a tradition,” said Betsy Rowe-Baehr, student organization advisor. “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.

Jamestown High School students are pictured during the 2024 Battle of the Classes. Submitted photo

“Anthony had the best sense of humor and could light up the whole room with his smile,” said Kristi Senske. “We were fortunate to provide him with amazing opportunities and experiences, and want to help other kids in our community do the same. We are so grateful to the Jamestown High School students and staff for choosing this fund and supporting this work in Anthony’s name. They say ‘it takes a village to raise a child,’ but it takes so much more than that. We live in an incredible community and are so grateful for this support.”

Those interested in donating can contact Rowe-Baehr at elizabeth.h.rowe-baehr@jpsny.org. Tickets are $1 presale and $2 at the door and can be purchased from any JHS class council member or by contacting the school at 716-483-3470.

“By choosing the Anthony Senske Fund, we are helping to honor Anthony as he was a student at JHS for three years before he passed,” said Braelyn Peterson, co-president of the JHS Class of 2025. “The purpose of this foundation is to provide more students with needs similar to Anthony’s opportunities within the community that are sensory friendly or modified to meet their physical, mental or emotional needs. The family hopes that Anthony’s positive attitude and energy can be carried on through helping others.”