Students at Jamestown High School held thier annual “Penny Wars.” The fundraiser was dedicated this year to Hannah Hornyak and her parents, both of whom have cancer.

Since 1999, students and teachers at Jamestown High School have participated in “Penny Wars,” a fundraising competition with the goal of helping a local cause. This year, the family of a high school student was the recipient of $5,000.

The annual fundraiser event typically picks a cause in the community to support. This year, donations are going to the parents of junior Hannah Hornyak, both of whom are battling cancer.

Hannah’s sister, Hillary, spoke to the audience at JHS Friday and told them that life is not always fair and that people in the crowd might be going through a similar experience.

“I know that all of you chose to come here today, you chose to show up and that means a lot,” Hillary said. “Thanks for showing up, and thanks for showing up each day. You’re not alone, you’re never alone.”

After the choir performed songs, class totals were announced. In total, the four classes raised $4,753.48.

This year’s total was the second most ever generated, according to Tony Dolce, student organizational adviser.

“This was a really great year I think it was the second most total we ever had,” Dolce said. “It was a very successful year.”

It was announced that an anonymous donor covered the remaining $246.52 to increase the total to $5,000. The “punishment” for some of the class advisers was getting pies to their faces. While some staff and administrators were “slimed.”

A thick material, orange or green, was dumped on several people as a way to celebrate the amount of money the students raised.

Reaching the $5,000 mark meant Principal Mike McElrath would also get slimed in his suit.

According to Dolce, the majority of fundraising was done in December. Students frequently ask friends, family, teachers and local businesses to donate to the cause.

See Saturday’s edition of The Post-Journal for complete coverage.