Cherry High School is not the largest school on the Iron Range, but their students made a big impact on the community.

Their student members of Youth in Action held a fundraiser that they called a “Penny War.”

“It’s a really cool thing because we didn’t really have Youth in Action in our school. So, this is the first year that all of us joined. And so then we’re all able to come and just figure out stuff that we want to do and help out,” said Heidi Lindula, one of the 10th graders involved.

The “Penny War” was a grade vs. grade competition that lasted two weeks, with a goal to raise the most money. The winning grade also got a fun prize at the end.

“Each grade had a bucket, and dollars were positive points and pennies were positive points. Any silver coins were negative points and whoever, whichever grade got the most got to cut to the principal’s tie,” said Adyson Vanderhoof.

The 10th graders pulled out the win, raising $1,400, and decided to buy a plethora of hygiene products to donate to Home on the Range, a homeless shelter in Hibbing.

“It was crazy. I was really happy with how much participation we got, and it’s good that it was going to a good cause,” said Maggie McLaughlin.

“It means a lot. We didn’t expect to raise that much at all. We didn’t know how it would do when we tried it and did really good,” said TehLia Martin.

Those that know Cherry well say the school is small but mighty, and based on this fundraising effort, that statement holds true.

“It means a lot knowing that such a small school can make such a big impact in the grand scheme of things,” said Nadia Johnson.

All five girls will be juniors next year and are looking forward to raising even more money next year to help Iron Rangers.