Manchester Township High School hosted the second annual “Pass the Torch” program on Wednesday, continuing a student-led tradition that brings together graduating seniors and kindergarten students in a celebration of leadership, connection, and the future of the school community.
Originally created by MTHS alumna Jamie Popek, the program was established to connect the district’s oldest and youngest students and to encourage future generations of Hawks to lead with purpose and pride. Before graduating, Popek handed the initiative's leadership to senior Marisiya Goins, who coordinated this year’s event and helped further develop the program alongside district staff and student volunteers.
The program once again brought together MTHS seniors and kindergarten students for a shared experience centered on reflection and inspiration. During the ceremony, members of the Class of 2026 gathered on the Manchester Township High School field, the same location where they will celebrate their own graduation later this month. Seated in the stands, families watched as kindergarten students from across the district entered the field and were welcomed by the graduating seniors.
One by one, each senior personally "passed the torch" to a kindergarten student from the Class of 2038 by presenting them with a commemorative Pass the Torch T-shirt. The symbolic exchange represented the passing of responsibility, tradition, and school pride from one generation of students to the next.
For many families, the ceremony offered a unique perspective as they watched their kindergarteners from the same stands where they will one day watch them graduate from Manchester Township High School. The setting served as a powerful reminder of the educational journey that lies ahead and the connections shared by students across grade levels.
In her closing remarks, Marisiya reflected on the purpose of the tradition and its lasting impact.
“As we close today’s ceremony, we hope this tradition serves as a reminder that every journey begins somewhere, and every generation has the power to inspire the next,” she said. “It started with us, but it continues with them.”
Superintendent Diane Pedroza praised the continued growth of the program and the students who have helped shape its future.
“Today marks the continuation of a tradition that has already begun to leave a meaningful impact on our district, bringing generations of students together through reflection, celebration, and connection,” Pedroza said. “Our seniors, who have led by example throughout their time here, are now passing the torch of excellence to our youngest learners, encouraging them to carry it forward with pride and determination.”
Pedroza also recognized the student leadership behind the initiative, noting that this year’s event built upon the foundation established by Popek while bringing new energy and ideas to the tradition.
This year’s ceremony also marked another important milestone for the program. As part of the event, Marisiya formally passed leadership of Pass the Torch to Michael Fink, a member of the Class of 2027, who will lead the initiative next year. The transition symbolizes the program’s continued growth as each generation of student leaders works to ensure its message endures for future classes.
The ceremony concluded with a new addition to the tradition. Led by members of the Class of 2026, kindergarten students from the Class of 2038 performed a special rendition of “This Little Light of Mine” for their families in attendance, adapted specifically for the Pass the Torch program. The performance featured lyrics including “The torch was passed to me, I’m gonna let it shine,” and “We are going to lead the way, starting here today,” reinforcing the ceremony’s message that leadership begins early and grows through the example set by those who came before.
As seniors prepared to begin the next chapter of their lives, they left behind more than memories. Through Pass the Torch, they passed along a tradition of leadership and encouragement that will continue to shine for years to come.