Hemachandra Mulugu Named Gaithersburg Junior Mayor

The City of Gaithersburg has selected Hemachandra Mulugu, a fourth-grade student at Diamond Elementary School, as its new Junior Mayor. Hemachandra was sworn in by Mayor Jud Ashman during the May 4, 2026, Mayor and City Council meeting. View the swearing-in.

Fourth graders in Gaithersburg were invited to share what they would do if they were Mayor in an essay contest to become the City's next Junior Mayor. The theme for this year's contest, to be explored in 275 words or less, was "Where Tradition Meets Innovation." City staff reviewed essays from Gaithersburg students, and the top five finalists were invited to participate in a panel interview.

Hemachandra's winning essay focused on preserving nature and creating lasting memories for Gaithersburg families. "Every time a family in our community welcomes a baby, a child starts kindergarten, or even every time someone retires from years of hard work in our community, they get a chance to plant a tree in our City trail," says Hemachandra in his essay. "Each plant alongside a trail would have the family's name signed, so that every time a family walks the trail, they remember old memories." Hemachandra's essay was submitted by his fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Wendy Stewart. Read Hemachandra's full essay.

In his role as Junior Mayor, Hemachandra will join the Mayor and members of the City Council at public ceremonies and events throughout the year. His first appearance will be at the Gaithersburg Book Festival on Saturday, May 16. He will also lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the City's Memorial Day Observance on Saturday, May 30. Towards the end of his term, Hemachandra will have the opportunity to host a community service project at his school, which the Mayor and City Council will participate in.

Click here for more information on the Junior Mayor program.