Student Leaders Step Forward at Student Government Induction Ceremony

Story and photo by Sh’Jae Smith.

On October 24, 2025, in a powerful display of unity and civic pride, students at Friendship Technology Preparatory Academy gathered for the first annual Student Government Association (SGA) Induction ceremony. Held in the school's multipurpose hall, this event marked a formal transition of leadership in student government and celebrated the values of service, representation and student voice. 

During this event, SGA inductees dressed in semi-formal attire, walked a red carpet, and recited the SGA pledge to officially accept their new leadership roles. The room was filled with peers, family and faculty members, eager to  celebrate their success. The room was filled with an atmosphere of tension and joy, marking an exciting departure from the hum of everyday school life. 

The newly-inducted SGA leadership team was clearly excited to take on their new positions. Shirley Romero-Diaz, Vice President of the senior class, said that the ceremony made her feel “honored and noted.” Even though she didn’t see herself joining student government before coming to Tech Prep, she said that SGA was a great way to have new experiences, like when she got to take a trip to New York City through the organization. When asked why she ran for vice president of the senior class, Shirley said, “originally I wanted to join because not many students were participating, and I wanted to collaborate. I thought that I wasn't going to get elected, but by good grace I did, and now that I am a part of SGA I see exciting changes with the new SGA leadership when involving the senior class.”  

Now that there are new SGA leaders, students at Tech Prep will be able to see positive changes in the school community. 

Sh’Jae Smith is a junior at Friendship Technology Preparatory Academy.