Forsyth County’s third annual Student Government Academy class graduated during a ceremony held Wednesday, April 24, 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.

“Forsyth County students making the effort to be involved in their local government is something to be celebrated,” said Assistant County Manager Barry Lucas. “The academy has expanded the students’ knowledge of Forsyth County government, grown their leadership skills and helped them forge a deeper connection with the community. I hope each student is as proud of their accomplishment as I am.”

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

Kate Chirapornsuk – Alliance Academy for Innovation
Ann Kim – Alliance Academy for Innovation
Madison Hennig– Alliance Academy for Innovation
Ishita Aher – Denmark High School
Emma Peneguy – Denmark High School
Jack Groover – East Forsyth High School
Cadence Alberty – East Forsyth High School
Hailey Hiddema – East Forsyth High School
Spencer Jenkins – Forsyth Central High School
Josiah Kern – Forsyth Central High School
Jayden Yu – Lambert High School
Andrew Jimerson – Lambert High School
Lakshmi Jojjavarapu – Lambert High School
Kaitlyn Vera – North Forsyth High School
David Matthews – North Forsyth High School
Chandini Shaik – South Forsyth High School
Renee Shikhmetoff – South Forsyth High School
Sahasra Chitti – South Forsyth High School
Shreya Hegde – West Forsyth High School
Hannah Miller – West Forsyth High School
Monterio “Bub” Woodson – West Forsyth High School

Speakers at the graduation ceremony included Assistant County Manager Barry Lucas, Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Bearden and Jarrard & Davis Associate Attorney Molly Esswein.

The Student Government Academy is an annual 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. Each Forsyth County high school nominates three rising juniors to participate in the program. 

Forsyth County is currently accepting applications for its 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, visit https://www.forsythco.com/engage or contact Amanda Roper at aeroper@forsythco.com.