Dartmouth eighth-graders ended their middle school careers with a June 21 ceremony peppered with loud cheering and memorable moments.

Proud family members gathered at Dartmouth High School’s Carlin Lynch Activity Center to celebrate the students' achievements and transition to high school.

Twin sisters Aria and Deré Soares, 14, said they are ready for the next chapter of their educational path. Both sisters will attend the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, which accepts students from New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Fairhaven.

“I am trying to be successful to get into a good college,” said Aria, who will study legal and protective services.

“I was nervous and excited at the same time,” said Deré, who plans to study cosmetology.

The event was bittersweet for Dionne Gomes, the mother of the Soares twins.

“It is overwhelming," she said. "They are no longer little girls and we are seeing their transformation as they go to the high school years.”

Gomes spoke highly of the Dartmouth school system, and said she feels the girls are well prepared for high school.

The twins' father, Daniel Soares, added: “We are very proud of them. ... They worked really hard to get here.”

Kathy Leong's excitedly watched her 14-year-old son, Brian, graduate.

“I’m hoping he goes to college in the future,” Leong said.

Brian is going to Dartmouth High and said college is on his radar, though he is unsure of his career path.

Ron Crowell supported his autistic daughter, Madison, 16, who graduated with her peers.

“They have a wonderful program at the middle school,” said Crowell. “She’s had wonderful teachers who love her and care for her. The kids have been great, too.”

Madison will go to Dartmouth High, and both father and daughter said they are excited for the next four years.