Walton High School senior Turner Sahadevan will represent the Cobb County School District on State School Superintendent Richard Woods’ 2026–27 Student Advisory Council.

The district announced Oct. 7 that Sahadevan is its only student on the 85-member council. The Georgia Department of Education selected members from 1,427 applicants statewide.

According to GaDOE’s council page, students in grades 10 through 12 could apply. Department staff considered applicants’ essay responses and sought representation from different regions and school communities.

Members will share their perspectives with Woods on issues such as curriculum, school safety and student well-being. They will also represent the superintendent in their communities and undertake service projects.

The first meeting is scheduled for Oct. 19 at GaDOE’s offices in Atlanta. Additional meetings are planned for January, March and April 2027, with exact dates still to be determined.

Sahadevan plays viola in the Walton Orchestra and has participated in the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, East Cobb News reported.

The Mockingbird Melody Georgia chapter website lists him and fellow Walton student Sab Prakash as co-presidents. His biography says he began playing viola in sixth grade and studies with Cindy Beard.

Mockingbird Melody organizes volunteer musical performances and charity concerts. The organization says it was founded in 2011 and has given more than 300 performances across New Jersey.