2023 Battle of the Classes donation to Mental Health Association Executive Director Steven Cobb (March 30, 2023)

Jamestown High School students raised $6,936.57 for the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County through the 2023 Battle of the Classes.

MHA Executive Director Steven Cobb accepted the donation, saying that proceeds will help benefit the MHA’s “Code Blue Warming Center” established earlier this year. He said, “This expansion into homeless/shelter services has created new areas of need the MHA is working to directly address in our community.”

The donation will be used to help make physical updates to the association’s Gateway Center space to provide shower, laundry, and technology services to those in need across the community.

The Battle of the Classes event held last Thursday marked the event’s return to McElrath Gymnasium for the first time since 2019 following two years of an outside competition at Strider Field.

The Class of 2024 was declared the winner, raising $4,125.24 and also placing first in the skills competition. The Senior Class of 2023 raised $1,259.88, the Freshman Class of 2026 raised $885.68, and the Sophomore Class of 2025 raised $666.07.

JHS Battle of the Classes

The 42nd annual Jamestown High School Battle of the Classes takes place tonight.

The event is at 6:30 p.m. in the McElrath Gymnasium. Proceeds from the annual competition will benefit the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County.

The school-wide competition will include games, skills contests, and dance-off.

Over the last four decades, the school has raised over $300,000 for community organizations and charities.

Proceeds will help benefit MHA’s “Code Blue Warming Center” established earlier this year.

MHA executive director Steven Cobb said the donation from JHS students will help to make physical updates to the association’s Gateway Center space to provide shower, laundry, and technology services to those in need across the community.

Those interested in donating can contact Tony Dolce at anthony.j.dolce@jpsny.org. Tickets for the event $2 at the door.

The Battle of the Classes is in its 42nd year and has raised over $300,000 for local charities and organizations. The winner of this year’s competition between the four high school classes was the sophomore class.

The annual Battle of the Classes is a competition between JHS classes to see who can raise the most money for the designated charity over a two-week time. The Battle includes fun games, sporting competitions and a dance-off to celebrate.

The UCAN City Mission is currently raising funds to renovate the former Field and Wright building located on North Main and First Streets in downtown Jamestown. UCAN Executive Director Jeff Rotunda said the facility will include 40-beds for family units and 45-beds for single women. The plan also includes a full kitchen area, laundry area, and learning center.

The event will take place at 5:00 p.m. at Strider Field with the rain date set for Wednesday, June 8.

The cost to attend the Battle of the Classes is $1 presale or $2 at the gate. Presale tickets can be obtained from a class officer or a JHS class advisor.

All proceeds from the Battle of the Classes will benefit the UCAN Women’s Shelter.

Tony Dolce, JHS student organization advisor, said, “The classes had a difficult decision to make this year, as there were numerous great organizations to support. But, with the ongoing epidemic of addiction and chemical dependency increasing, they saw the need to support this worthy cause and hopefully make a change for the future.”

JHS started its 38th year of battle over a month-long fundraising effort by the school, which culminates in a festive competition between all JHS classes in fun events. The event was open to the public.

A Fresh Start fund was started by local resident Kim Carlson in honor of her late son Alex Faulk and is dedicated to helping those affected by addiction and chemical dependency.

For more information about A Fresh Start Fund or the foundation call (716) 664-8423.

JHS students at the 2016 Battle of the Classes

JAMESTOWN – Jamestown High School will hold its 38th Annual Battle of the Classes on Thursday, April 6th at 6:30 p.m. in the McElrath Gymnasium.

The Battle of the Classes is a month-long fundraising effort by the school, which culminates in a festive competition between all JHS classes in fun events.

The event is open to the public. Tickets are $1 presale from any JHS class officer or $2 at the door.

Every year, the JHS Battle of the Classes chooses a local charity to donate all proceeds from the event. This year, the Battle of the Classes will benefit the Alex George Gregory Foulk Memorial Fund, which was started to support organizations that provide assistance to individuals dealing with substance abuse.