The 45th annual Jamestown High School Battle of the Classes will take place on Wednesday, April 1 in the McElrath Gymnasium at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds from the annual competition will benefit the Kids & Sibs Summer Camp.

The 45th annual Jamestown High School Battle of the Classes will take place on Wednesday, April 1 in the McElrath Gymnasium at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds from the annual competition will benefit the Kids & Sibs Summer Camp.

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 over $300,000 for community organizations and charities.

“Battle of the Classes is a cherished tradition,” said Betsy Rowe-Baehr, student organization co-advisor. “In one lane it’s a friendly competition between grade levels. In the other lane, it’s a fundraiser for a selected charity that students have selected.”

JHS Student Organization, which is composed of each class council, chose Kids & Sibs, a two-day camp experience that supports children with special needs and their siblings by promoting connection, mutual understanding, and positive social-emotional development through engaging and supportive activities.

Organized and founded by JHS graduate Laurie Reynolds, ’98, the camp takes place at the Jamestown Area YMCA’s Camp Onyahsa in Dewittville and offers children with varied abilities special support, good coping mechanisms, confidence-building, and fun for them and their siblings with a full array of developmentally-appropriate activities.

“This camp allows kids to experience traditional camp activities that they normally wouldn’t be able to have — especially for the sibling component,” said Reynolds, who began organizing the camp five years ago after collaborating with parents in her autism parent support group.

“Oftentimes, siblings of those with developmental disabilities struggle to feel seen. Our organization tries to give kids that opportunity.”

The program is implemented by experienced direct support personnel, camp staff, and volunteers with Special Education experience and credentials, in addition to a registered nurse.

“The students’ selection of ‘Kids & Sibs’ was motivated by inclusivity,” said Rowe-Baehr. “They were really excited to know that it was recreational, but also an opportunity to support individuals going through things that are not easy.”

Reynolds was honored to learn of the organization’s selection.

“I have definitely bragged about it to everyone around me — family and friends — because I did go to Jamestown High School and I know what Battle of the Classes means,” Reynolds said. “It’s an honor, and I feel especially blessed that the students chose this. I don’t take that lightly.”

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.