North Middle School eighth-graders marched into the auditorium to a thunderous round of applause as they prepared to mark their graduation from the place they called home for the past three years.

Principal Sean Fallon reminded them to always show persistence and determination as obstacles come their way. Class speaker Julio Sarin spoke about how much they have matured together and how many new challenges and opportunities await them in high school.

After the presentation of diplomas, a video yearbook took the graduates on a touching trip down memory lane. The evening’s festivities concluded with an awards ceremony, highlighting the accomplishments of many of the shining stars of the Class of 2017.