On a cool October evening, the lights of the Herrin High School football field glow a little brighter as two groups stand on opposite sides of the turf. On one end are the seniors of the Class of 2025, holding storybooks and bookmarks, many of them with memories of Friday night games and years of school pride. On the other end are Herrin’s newest Tigers, the kindergarten class, their small hands holding colored pictures. Slowly, they walk toward each other, meeting at the 50-yard line. There, in front of their families, teachers, and the community, the seniors bend down to exchange tokens and words of encouragement. It’s a simple act with a powerful meaning—one generation of Tigers passing the torch to the next.

The tradition began in 2024 when Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Stephanie Allen and kindergarten teacher Melodi Coleman saw a video of another school’s ceremony. Both women immediately knew they wanted it in Herrin. “We sent the video to each other at almost the same time,” Coleman laughed. “We just knew it belonged here.” With the help of staff, cheerleaders, and community members, they pulled off the first Passing the Torch during senior night at the football game.

The event was an instant success. Afterward, families gathered for cupcakes and juice. There was even a group photo under the scoreboard with the Tiger mascot. “We weren’t sure if the seniors would go for it,” Coleman admitted. “But they did—and there were tears. Families who had both a senior and a kindergartener were especially touched. It was beautiful.”

For the seniors, the ceremony offers perspective. “It really shows how much we’ve done and how involved we’ve been,” said senior Sidnee Nelson. “And it helps the little kids see how many opportunities they’ll have when they get here. High school is so much better if you do as much as you can.” Sidnee’s words echo the purpose of the tradition: to inspire the youngest Tigers by showing them the pride, involvement, and spirit of those about to graduate.

Meadow Lerner, another senior, remembers sitting in a Herrin kindergarten classroom years ago—shy, nervous, and in awe of the “big kids.” Now, as she prepares to graduate, she sees Passing the Torch as a way to bring her journey full circle. “I would have loved this as a kindergartener,” she said. “But I think I’ll appreciate it even more as a senior.”

Allen emphasized that Passing the Torch on Senior Night, which includes the entire senior class, not just athletes. Band members, cheerleaders, club leaders, and students from every corner of the high school are invited to participate. “It’s not about one group—it’s about everyone,” she explained. “We want all the kids to see that no matter who you are, you have a place here.”

The sense of community is what makes the event so meaningful. Families are invited into the stadium for free, and city leaders, police officers, firefighters, and local businesses are welcomed as guests. “We’re one big family,” Allen said. “Events like this remind us how much we care about each other and how much the community cares about the kids.”

Coleman, who is retiring this year after decades of teaching, will see her final kindergarten class receive the torch. For her, the ceremony is deeply personal. “I had Meadow in kindergarten,” she said softly. “To see her as a senior now, passing the torch to my last class, it’s emotional. This is what teaching is all about—watching them grow, knowing you’ve been part of their story.”

The symbolism extends beyond the field. For seniors, it’s a reminder to look back at where they started and to recognize how far they’ve come. For kindergarteners, it’s a glimpse of the future and the encouragement to dream big. And for the community, it’s a celebration of continuity, pride, and hope.

This year’s Passing the Torch for the class of 2026 will take place on October 17th. Allen hints that an exciting addition may be in store, though she’s keeping details under wraps. “I’ve always got a few tricks up my sleeve,” she said with a smile. “You’ll have to be there to see what’s new.”

Whether it’s the orange and black balloons, the tears in parents’ eyes, or the sight of tiny hands clasped in older ones, Passing the Torch has already become one of Herrin’s most cherished traditions. It’s a reminder that education isn’t just about books and tests—it’s about belonging to something larger than yourself. And as the lights shine down on the field each October, Herrin’s seniors and kindergarteners prove that while one chapter may be closing, another is just beginning.