CANFIELD — The cool Tuesday morning was not a problem for the hundreds of warm hearts at Cardinal Stadium as the football field became the venue for a new Cardinal tradition with seniors passing the torch to their young counterparts.

The idea came from the senior class and teacher / class advisers Kate Antal, Kristen Gennaro and Lesley Holmes. The idea was to have an exchange where the senior class would present the kindergarten class with a special gift as they pass the torch to those just starting their school journey. The gift was a keychain with a laminated poem addressed to the Class of 2037.

The event began with parents filing into the home stands as the CHS band performed. While the music was playing, the 165 senior class members made their way to the north end of the field as the 177 kindergarteners from both Hilltop and C.H. Campbell elementary schools gathered at the south end. On cue, both groups walked to the 50-yard-line, where the seniors presented every kindergartener with a keychain.

“This exchange is more than just a feel-good event,” said Superintendent Joe Knoll. “It is a living testament to the values of mentorship, friendship and community that we strive to instill in our Canfield students from day one to graduation day.”

The kindergarteners also had another memento of the event in the form of Class of 2037 T-shirts. Each received the T-shirts prior to the trip to Cardinal Stadium. The T-shirts also were provided by the Class of 2025.

Holmes said the hope is to make the “pass the torch” event an annual tradition, and from the success it appears it will continue with future senior classes.

“Our students, young and older, learned from each other in ways that no textbook can teach,” Knoll said. “I hope this becomes a cherished tradition in Canfield for years to come.”

The event closed with both classes (2025 and 2037) posing for a group photo on the 50-yard line.