Soon-to-be graduates of Karns City High School make their way to the field Tuesday night for an outdoor ceremony in which 127 students would receive diplomas.Nathan Bottiger/BUTLER EAGLE

KARNS CITY — Karns City High School graduates got to experience an outdoor ceremony Tuesday night under a sultry but rain-free sky.

“It's a bittersweet moment,” graduate Hanna Bossinger said. “I'm excited to start a new chapter, but it's sad to leave the people that have been with me for so long.”

Karns City graduated 127 students Tuesday night. The sun wasn't shining. It wasn't raining either, and little detracted from the excitement and thoughts the graduates had toward the future.

During the ceremony, Ed Conto, high school principal, got to say goodbye to his final graduating class. Conto is retiring after this year.

Superintendent Eric Ritzert told the students that graduation acknowledges an important milestone in their lives and their hard work.

“Today, you have reached the culmination of your time as a student at Karns City,” Ritzert said. “I wish you all the very best on what your future endeavors might be.”

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Graduating band members perform one last song with their band.