Civic Duty at Its Best: Tennessee High Celebrates 100 Percent Student Voter Registration
In a celebration of democracy and youth engagement, Tennessee High School was honored with the Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Level Award for achieving 100 percent voter registration among its eligible students. The award was presented by Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett during a special assembly attended by students, faculty, state legislators, and other dignitaries.
Secretary Hargett commended the effort as he addressed the students. "I really want to congratulate you. This is one of the largest schools in the state to receive 100 percent voter registration among the eligible students at the school," he stated. His words not only highlighted the school’s accomplishment but also underlined the importance of participation in our democracy. "The most fundamental way we participate in our form of government is by registering to vote and then going to vote," Hargett emphasized.
The presentation ceremony was not just about recognition; it also served as an educational moment. Hargett shared stories and statistics to emphasize the impact of every single vote, particularly highlighting how close electoral races can be. His message was clear to students: young people’s votes hold immense power, and by voting, they shape their own futures.
Among the students, senior Torey Walk expressed pride and excitement about her school’s achievement. "It is the highest honor to receive this award," Torey said. “As Secretary Hargett said, the lowest demographic of voters is people around my age, around 18-29, so it’s really important for us to go out and vote, register to vote and know that our vote matters.”
As student ambassadors, Torey and Kailey Jackson helped with the process of registering students to vote. They played pivotal roles in the voter registration drive. Torey, Kailey, and Government and Economics Teacher Andrew Cross accepted the award on behalf of the school.
Also in attendance to present the award were Comptroller of the Treasury of Tennessee Jason Mumpower, Representative John Crawford, Senator Jon Lundberg, and Sullivan County Administrator of Elections Jason Booher.
This achievement by Tennessee High is not just a win for the school but a shining example for other schools across the state. It demonstrates the potential of young people to lead and engage meaningfully with civic duties. The Anne Dallas Dudley Award is named after the famed Tennessee suffragist who was instrumental in gaining women’s right to vote.