Forsyth County’s fifth annual Student Government Academy class graduated during a ceremony held Wednesday, April 15, at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Tech. Photos from the ceremony can be found by clicking here.

This year’s class had the opportunity to meet with a range of leaders from Forsyth County as well as tour many County facilities, such as the water treatment facility, Public Safety Complex and more.

“Engagement from students in local government is something Forsyth County values greatly,” said Forsyth County Manager David McKee. “Through this program, they’ve gained a better understanding of how the County serves its residents while developing leadership skills and stronger ties to the community. Their accomplishments are something to be proud of.”

The following students graduated from the fifth annual Student Government Academy:

• Raima Vadhanam – Alliance Academy for Innovation
• Rohan Puppala – Denmark High School
• Ethan Wong – Denmark High School
• William Merck – East Forsyth High School
• Emily Tsung – East Forsyth High School
• Ellah Holder – Forsyth Central High School
• Penelope Sovich – Forsyth Central High School
• Liam Binger – Horizon Christian Academy
• Charlotte Martin – Horizon Christian Academy
• Charithra Julapally – Lambert High School
• Sharanya Raghavan – Lambert High School
• Grace Shipman – Learnwell North Georgia
• Avery McClatchey – North Forsyth High School
• Munn Patel – North Forsyth High School
• Christine Frain – Pinecrest Academy
• Billy Herbert – Pinecrest Academy
• LaVondrick Lowe – South Forsyth High School
• Raina Swaminathan – South Forsyth High School
• Catherine Hoover – St. John Bosco Academy
• Jack Metts – St. John Bosco Academy
• Kathy Chang – West Forsyth High School
• Naresh Nagappa Rajesh – West Forsyth High School

Speakers at the graduation ceremony included Juvenile Court of Forsyth County Presiding Judge Christopher Willis, Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Dr. Mitch Young and Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alfred John.

Forsyth County also extends its condolences to the family, friends and fellow participants of Charlotte Martin, a member of this year’s class who recently passed away. She will be remembered as part of the Student Government Academy Class of 2026.

The Student Government Academy is an annual dynamic civics program for Forsyth County high school students that offers them the opportunity to engage with their local government and gain a deeper understanding of how it operates. Each Forsyth County high school nominates students to participate in the program. 

For more information on Student Government Academy, visit https://www.forsythco.com/engage or contact Amanda Roper at aeroper@forsythco.com.