Karns City graduates pray during the Karns City Area Jr./Sr. High School graduation ceremony at Karns City’s Diehl Stadium on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
KARNS CITY — Piper Pint, a 2026 graduate of Karns City Area Jr./Sr. High School, spent her Tuesday evening alongside her classmates reflecting on the good times and the hard times of the journey so far, while also looking forward to the new journey she and her peers are embarking on.
“I want to go to school to get into animation and stuff, I really want to work on TV shows,” Pint said.
Students celebrated their biggest feats. Whether they struggled with making friends, math classes or even just getting into the routine of high school, each senior encountered and conquered a unique challenge.
“Some of us didn’t even think we’d make it. I didn’t think I’d make it. I kept telling everyone I was dropping out, but here I am graduating. You gotta push yourself through it,” Sisilya Jones said.
Jones said her inspiration to continue came from friends and those around her. One of which was Sarah Berry, who echoed the sentiment.
“Honestly, there’s some times where you’ll kind of be alone, but eventually you find someone,” Berry said.
Many students expressed their appreciation for Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School. Jones said while she isn’t sure what field she wants to enter quite yet, the vo-tech gave her the chance to explore interests in culinary arts and EMT service.
Some look to college, trades or jumping right into the workforce. Berry said she looks forward to continuing her education in welding, but also helping her mom out at her business.
“My mom’s doing a coffee business, so I’ll hopefully be running that,” Berry said.
Nathan Hess, class vice president, compared the actions his peers can take to a game of cards. In a game, he said, you can raise them, fold them or hold them.
“The class of 2026 was dealt a number of cards throughout their time here and I strongly advise us to hold on to some of them.” Hess said.
Karns City valedictorian Mason Bell speaks during the Karns City Area Jr./Sr. High School graduation ceremony at Diehl Stadium on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Karns City graduate Francis Sapp III celebrates during the Karns City Area Jr./Sr. High School graduation ceremony at Karns City’s Diehl Stadium on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Karns City Addyson Brink gets her diploma during the Karns City Area Jr./Sr. High School graduation ceremony at Diehl Stadium on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Karns City graduates walk to the field during the Karns City Area Jr./Sr. High School graduation ceremony at Diehl Stadium on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Karns City graduates Quinn Robinson, facing, hugs Jessica Rogers during the Karns City High School graduation ceremony at Karns City High School's Diehl Stadium on Tuesday, June 2,2026. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Karns City assistant principal Brenda Knoll gets choked up delivering her final graduating class as she is retiring during the Karns City High School graduation ceremony at Karns City High School's Diehl Stadium on Tuesday, June 2,2026. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Graduates are silhouetted in the sunset during the Karns City High School Graduation ceremony at Karns City High School Diehl Stadium on Tuesday, June 2,2026. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
A Karns City graduate waves to family and friends during the Karns City Area Jr./Sr. High School graduation ceremony at Diehl Stadium on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Chicora Volunteer Fire Department displays a giant American flag during the Karns City Area Jr./Sr. High School graduation ceremony at Tuesday Diehl Stadium. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
