Despite the devastation the village of Cambria is feeling after an explosion at a corn mill that killed three and injured several others, the Cambria-Friesland High School graduation went on as scheduled.
It was a bittersweet moment, just hours after a third body was discovered from the charred rubble.
"There's an irony a paradox," said Cambria-Friesland District Administrator Tim Raymond.
There was a moment of silence during the ceremony for those in attendance to reflect on the last 48 hours.
"You may not have had a parent or loved one who worked in that facility that evening, but your best friend may have," Raymond said.
One of the 23 graduates was thankful her mom wasn't working the night of the explosion, but said it was still an emotional day all around.
"I'm excited because, you know, last day of school, but then it's also a little heartbreaking because we do have friends here who have family members who were injured and affected by the explosion," said graduate Rachael Leystra.
To many, the night meant even more than a monumental graduation.
"I'm hoping that this will bring a little light to our community," Leystra said.
"It reminds us that hope is at our doorstep and there is going to be a tomorrow and no matter how tumultuous that's going to be we can move forward together," Raymond said.
Investigators are still trying to figure out what caused the explosion. Friday a Didion official said a fire at the facility on Monday and Wednesday's explosion were not related.
