MATTAPOISETT — The first Old Rochester Regional High School Chapter 74 Early Childhood Education Class has graduated from the program.

During the school’s graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 1, eight seniors were recognized for being part of the first class to graduate from the early childhood education class: Anna Pereira, Lila Bangs, Abigail Durr, Jaeleigh Black, Rylie Coughlin, Emily Borges, Nashajia Monteiro and Aubrey Heise.

According to a press release by the Old Rochester Regional School District, students in the program have the opportunity to earn teacher certification from the Department of Early Education and Care and college credits through Bristol Community College.

The eight graduates completed four full years of early education coursework.

"I have had the pleasure of working with these eight outstanding students over the past four years," said teacher Janet Gauvin. "They have demonstrated such strength, compassion, dedication, and insight. I have no doubts about their ability to make a tremendous contribution, not only to their field of study but to the community at large. They each have such bright futures ahead of them. It brings me great joy to know they will be pursuing their dreams and passions.”