Highland Elementary Jars the Competition for a Hometown Cause

ANGOLA, NY – The small change collected at Highland Elementary is set to make a massive impact. District officials announced today that Highland students and staff raised over $800 during their recent "Jar Wars" campaign, contributing to a staggering district-wide total of $21,958 for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The "Jar Wars" initiative served as the elementary-level engine for Lake Shore’s annual Bald for Bucks campaign. While older students and staff across the district opted for the signature shave to raise funds, Highland’s youngest Eagles proved that you don’t need a razor to make a difference. By filling classroom jars with nickels, dimes, and quarters, the Highland community turned spare change into a powerful weapon against cancer.

A Legacy 24 Years in the Making

This year’s success carries a special weight for the Lake Shore community. Bald for Bucks was founded right here at Lake Shore 24 years ago. What began as a local gesture of solidarity has grown into a Western New York phenomenon, and Highland Elementary continues to lead the charge in keeping that legacy alive.

“Seeing our youngest Eagles rally together like this is a true reflection of the spirit we share here at Lake Shore,” said district organizers. “Every coin brought into the classroom represents a lesson in empathy and community service that our students will carry with them long after the jars are emptied.”

Record-Breaking Results

The funds raised by Highland and its sister schools will go directly toward life-saving research and patient care at Roswell Park. The $21,958 total marks one of the most successful years in the district’s long history with the program, proving that the "One Lake Shore" mission is stronger than ever.