Civics Essay Contest
The Civics Essay Contest is a writing contest for Tennessee students with the intent to encourage students to be actively engaged citizens now and in the future.
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Tennessee students in public, private, and home schools, from kindergarten to 12th Grade, are encouraged to participate in our Civics Essay Contest.
The contest, along with the Student Mock Election, is part of the Secretary of State’s civic engagement program.
The Civics Essay Contest started in 2016 with students writing about voting. Subsequent essay themes have included citizenship, leadership, and civic duty. Winners receive a TNStars 529 College Savings Program scholarship.
About This Year’s Contest
The Secretary of State’s office is conducting its annual student Essay Contest! Our goal is to encourage students to be actively engaged citizens by recognizing their important roles as citizens of the great state of Tennessee.
The theme of this year’s essay contest is “Tennessee, America at Its Best.”
Winners will receive a TNStars 529 Program College Savings scholarship of $100, $250, or $500 in addition to a trip to the State Capitol. See below for more details.
Essay Prompts & Requirements
This year’s essay contest prompts will be based around the theme of “Tennessee, America at Its Best.”
Schools can choose up to two (2) essays from each grade band to submit for the contest.
Essays should be typed, double-spaced on 8 ½ x 11” paper. Parents may help type essays for younger grades.
Essays should be submitted by each school through our online portal, with a maximum of two submissions per grade band, per school. For instance, any institution that encompasses K-12 classes would be able to submit a total of eight selections to represent all four grade bands within its school.
Submissions should answer each grade band's prompt as listed below. Essays exceeding the word limit will be automatically disqualified.
Click here for a printable comprehensive list of all essay prompts.
| Grade Band | Word Limit | Essay Prompt |
|---|---|---|
| 9-12 | 500-1,000 words | As America celebrates 250 years of independence, consider how Tennessee has helped define what it means to be American. Discuss how our state’s people, culture, or leadership have represented the values of liberty, equality, and service that make America the best it can be. Click here for a printable rubric for grades 9-12. |
| 6-8 | 300-700 words | As our nation celebrates 250 years, Tennesseans have played important roles in shaping America’s story. Choose a Tennessean, event, or movement from our state that helped make our country stronger. Explain how your example shows “America at its Best.” Click here for a printable rubric for grades 6-8. |
| 3-5 | 250-500 words | Choose an influential Tennessean who helped shape our nation. Discuss how this person’s actions, values, or service exemplify the best of Tennessee and America, and consider why their legacy is especially meaningful as our nation celebrates 250 years of independence. Click here for a printable rubric for grades 3-5. |
| K-2 | Drawings may not exceed 11"x17" in size. Words can be incorporated into a drawing or attached separately. | Draw a picture of someone in Tennessee history who shows “America at its Best.” You might choose a leader, helper, or hero. Include national symbols when possible. In 50–100 words, explain who you chose and how they represent the best of our country. Click here for a printable rubric for grades K-2. |
How to Submit Your Essay
Educators must submit their school's two selections for each grade band by Friday, February 20, 2026 at 11:59pm.
Click Here to Submit Your Essay
Contest Rules
- Educators may submit a maximum of two (2) essays to represent each applicable grade band within their school.
- The total number of participating students at the school should be reported with selected submissions.
- Only one entry per student is allowed.
- Essays must be received by the Secretary of State’s office by 11:59 pm on Friday, February 20, 2026. No late entries will be accepted.
- Participating students must be enrolled in a Tennessee public, charter, private school, or home school association.
- The essay must be the original work of the student.
- Family members of Tennessee Secretary of State employees are not allowed to participate.
- Failure to comply with the contest rules will result in disqualification.
Judging & Prizes
First, second, and third place will be awarded in each category. Placement will be decided by a panel of judges. Judges may also choose to award Honorable Mentions. Names and school affiliation will not be revealed to the judges during the process. Essays will be judged based on content, originality, and creativity.
Winners will receive a TNStars 529 College Savings Program scholarship and a trip to the State Capitol on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The trip includes an award presentation luncheon for winners and their families, an opportunity to serve as a legislative page during session, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Tennessee State Library and Archives.
Winners in each grade band will receive the following scholarships:
1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $250
3rd Place: $100
Contact
If you have any other questions, please contact us at sos.civics@tn.gov or (615) 741-8447.