How old is cherry from the outsiders?

In S.E. Hinton's novel "The Outsiders," Cherry Valance is a high school student who is approximately 16 years old. She is portrayed as a member of the Socs, the affluent group in the story, and plays a significant role in the narrative through her interactions with the Greasers, particularly with Ponyboy Curtis. Cherry's age reflects the typical teenage experiences and social dynamics explored in the book.