Forsyth County’s second annual Student Government Academy class graduated during a ceremony held Wednesday, April 26, 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 the state of Georgia and Forsyth County, including State Reps. Lauren McDonald and Todd Jones, as well as tour many County facilities such as the water treatment facility, Public Safety Complex and more.

“Our youth in Forsyth County making the effort to be involved in their local government is something to be celebrated,” said Assistant County Manager Barry Lucas. “This course has expanded students’ knowledge of Forsyth County government and helped them build strong foundations as leaders in their communities. I hope each student is as proud of their accomplishment as I am.”

The following students participated in the second annual Student Government Academy:

Arnav Pareek – Denmark High School
Christy Eapen – Denmark High School
Dharanija Peram – Denmark High School
Anvita Guttikonda – Alliance Academy for Innovation
Dharshine Priya Jayakrishan – Alliance Academy for Innovation
Anish Budida – Alliance Academy for Innovation
Emmalia Dancy – Forsyth Central High School
Addison Denney – Forsyth Central High School
Natalie Knight – Forsyth Central High School
Mehul Patil – South Forsyth High School
Sayna Kaushik – South Forsyth High School
Emily Hanna – South Forsyth High School
Ashlyn Hataway – West Forsyth High School
Taylor Mevers – West Forsyth High School
Anika Mathur – West Forsyth High School
Madison Malone – East Forsyth High School
Jack Rogers – East Forsyth High School
Justin Wang – Lambert High School
Hayden Nicholsen – Lambert High School
Jaxxon Otteson – North Forsyth High School

Speakers at the second annual Student Government Academy graduation ceremony included Assistant County Manager Barry Lucas, Sheriff Ron Freeman, Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Bearden and Miss Northwest Georgia Hannah Conway.

The Student Government Academy is a dynamic civics program for Forsyth County high school juniors that gives students the opportunity to engage with their local government and gain a deeper understanding of how it operates.

Forsyth County also offers a Citizens’ Academy that provides County residents 18 and up the opportunity to get an up-close and immersive look at County operations.

For more information on both academies, click here or contact Taylor Hall at tdhall@forsythco.com.