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 in grades PreK to 12 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 their 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 “Why Your Vote Matters”. Student 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 “Why Your Vote Matters”. Schools can choose up to two (2) essays from each grade level 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. See below for the prompts for each grade level. Essays should answer our grade level's prompt. Essays exceeding the word limit will be automatically disqualified.
| Grade Level | Word Limit | Essay Prompt |
|---|---|---|
| 9-12 | 500 words | Why is it important to educate yourself on issues before voting? |
| 6-8 | 350 words | How can you make your voice heard in elections? |
| 3-5 | 250 words | Why is it important for people to vote? |
| K-2 |
50 words accompanied by a drawing. |
What symbol best represents Election Day/voting? |
How to Submit Your Essay
Essays must be submitted by November 30, 2022. Click HERE to submit.
Contest Rules
- Schools can submit up to two (2) essays in each grade level.
- Only one entry per student is allowed.
- Essays must be received by the Secretary of State’s office by November 30, 2022. No late entries will be accepted.
- 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.
The winners in each grade level will win a trip to the State Capitol in the spring of 2023. In addition, students will receive a scholarship through the TNStars 529 College Savings Program.
Grade category winners 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) 741-8445.