Pictured is Heather Siemonsma, her husband, son and the students from the three winning grades from the penny war. Heather was presented a check for $10,039.44 and received a grand total of $10,139.44 after another donation came in. (Photo/Submitted)

Sara Stadem | Editor

Recently the Tri-Valley School came together to show support for one of their own, Heather Siemonsma, who is currently in her fight against Stage 4 Colon Cancer. Siemonsma, a Special Education Associate for the school district for over 18 years, started her bi-weekly chemotherapy on Friday, October 1.
The Tri-Valley School held a penny war to help offset some of Siemonsma’s medical expenses, having classes compete against each other to raise money, explained Tri-Valley Special Education Director Kate Haar.
According to Haar, all grade levels participated with the penny war. Each grade level had a container in their respective office, Haar explained, and if the students put pennies or bills in their container, the amount increased. If another grade level put silver coins in their containers, the amount decreased. The grade level in each school with the highest amount in the end won the war.
The result was amazing, according to Haar. “The penny war was a huge success! I’m overjoyed by the love and support that came from the Tri-Valley students, staff and community,” Haar said. “I’d also like to thank the Great Western Bank in Crooks for helping us with all of our coins.”
After another donation came in the mail just the other day, the total amount raised for Siemonsma was $10,139.44. “Amazing!” Haar said.
The winners of the penny war were 2nd grade for the elementary school, 6th grade for the intermediate, 12th grade for the high school and Siemonsma. The students of each grade level that won will be celebrating with pizza, according to Haar.
Siemonsma said, “I know the kids had fun with the penny war and the money that was donated was so overwhelming! We are lucky to live in such a caring community.”