(Middlefield, OH) - Time has a way of revealing what truly matters. This quote resonates particularly in a small town, and especially for the Class of 1996, as they begin to prepare for their 30th Class Reunion in Middlefield, Ohio. Although the event will be a time spent reminiscing on their careers as Cardinal Huskies, many of them are striving to create a bigger and brighter experience for students at Cardinal Elementary School. Rather than simply honoring the past, the class is choosing to invest in what comes next.
“The Class of 1996 wanted to celebrate our 30-year reunion next year with more than just memories—we wanted to make a difference,” said campaign leader Joshua Seyer. “So, we are going big with a goal of raising at least $30,000 by July 2026 to make this happen. The Cardinal School system is where so many of our stories began. It gave us the teachers, the friendships, and the community values that still guide us today. Launching the 30for30 campaign felt like the perfect way to honor that legacy. It's our way of saying thank you to a school that shaped us—and paying it forward to the next generation of Huskies.”
Those experiences sparked a vision for what could be possible for today’s students. The school has already purchased several Promethean Boards, and they have already been installed in the classrooms of Cardinal Elementary School. An interactive smart board that connects to a computer, where teachers and students can write, draw, and engage with videos and educational games, and apps.
Alison Tomazic, an intervention specialist at Cardinal Elementary School, values the opportunity to support her students as they learn and grow, meeting them where they are and helping them reach their full potential. Her favorite feature on the boards includes the annotation tool.
“I teach in the self-contained classroom for special education, and my students were so excited when the board was finally installed. One student said, “This is a big moment!" I am using it throughout the day to play relaxing music with nature scenes, which helps set a calm tone in our classroom,” said Tomazic.
Lisa Simms, a second-grade teacher at Cardinal Elementary, is another staff member adapting to new classroom technology. She incorporates her Promethean Board into daily instruction, learning new features along the way to better support her students.
“I use the board every day in all subject areas. I mostly project lessons and activities from my computer. As with a TV, the picture is crisp and clear. Also, when using the Promethean Board itself, the annotation and whiteboard features are most useful,” said Simms.
So, where did the inspiration come from for Seyer to want to give back to his alma mater, and why specifically did he and his team choose to update the technology? Seyer has worked closely with the Cardinal Elementary School assistant principal, Mrs. Owen, and the superintendent, Mr. Cunningham, about the needs that the district has.
“In our discussions with both Mr. Cunningham and Mrs. Owen, they highlighted that while the teachers were doing incredible work, they were often sharing limited tools and resources across classrooms. Choosing to support the purchase of additional new iPads and interactive smart boards made sense—they’re the tools teachers use every day, and they make learning more engaging and dynamic for kids. We met with the superintendent and teachers to learn exactly how students are utilizing existing technology in the classroom and identify the gaps. Their feedback helped us prioritize devices that would make the biggest difference—tools that support interactive lessons, small-group work, and different learning styles. Their expertise shaped the entire plan,” said Seyer.
This campaign started in early June, with donations from multiple alumni already rolling in. Seyer has made the campaign easy to participate in. With a simple website and drop-off locations. Every little bit helps!
“The easiest way to get involved is by donating—big or small—to the 30for30 campaign. Donations can be made in person at the Cardinal Elementary School or online on our campaign page on Givebutter. We’d love to see alumni from every class jump in with us—whether that’s through a donation, helping spread the word online, or rallying their own class to get involved. The Class of ’96 is leading the charge, but this is a project for the whole community,” said Seyer. “We're also really hoping local businesses will join the cause and donate. We've already heard from one donor who will match the first $15,000 raised dollar for dollar, which is so exciting! If Cardinal played a role in your life, this is a great way to give a little love back.”
This campaign is expected to run through late summer to raise $30,000 or more. Teachers have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about their experiences using the technology in their classrooms. Staff members are also looking ahead to additional training opportunities that will allow them to further develop their skills and maximize the impact of these tools for student learning.
“Honestly, we just want to help make things a little brighter in the classroom. We grew up in these classrooms, so we know how much it means when teachers have what they need, and kids feel excited to learn. We hope that this technology helps spark that same sense of curiosity and wonder we felt as students—only now with tools we never could’ve imagined back in 1996. We want to build on the great work the school district has done over the past 30 years, so the teachers continue to feel supported and the students continue to feel inspired,” said Seyer.
“On behalf of the superintendent, Jack Cunningham, principal Robert Kujala, and myself, we are extremely grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Seyer and the Class of ‘96 are providing for our students,” said Mrs. Owen. “Cardinal provides a very up-to-date education, and having a piece of technology that allows the teachers and staff to access more curriculum is essential. We also appreciate that it is a whole-class opportunity and that it continues to allow our use of student technology to be purposeful and developmentally appropriate. Thank you again to Mr. Seyer and the Class of 1996! Thank you as well to all of our supporters of the Cardinal Local Schools, and go Huskies!”
Those looking to donate can go to https://huskies30for30.wixsite.com/cardinalschools or https://givebutter.com/Huskies30for30. If you are curious or have questions, check out their Facebook page.