CONTACT:
Ben Hill
615.253.1811
Ben.Hill@tnsos.gov
April 20, 2026
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett and Representative Rick Eldridge presented Grainger High School with the prestigious Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Level Award on Monday. The school was honored for the third year in a row for helping to register 100 percent of their 113 students eligible to vote. Student ambassadors Abby Sutton and Caroline McCoy were recognized for their efforts in the successful drive.
“Seeing schools like Grainger High succeed for three years in a row in registering student voters affirms my belief that the future of Tennessee is bright,” said Secretary Hargett. “The student ambassador’s individual commitment to their fellow students is laudable and an example for everyone in their community.”
Principal Dr. Matt Gowan accepted the award on the school’s behalf. Government teacher Ali Dixon registered the school for the award once again, and Director of Schools for Grainger County Mark Briscoe attended the plaque presentation as well.
Senator Jessie Seal, as well as Rep. Eldridge, are instrumental in encouraging efforts to increase civic engagement across their districts. Secretary Hargett also recognized Grainger County Administrator of Elections Gina Hipsher for her support of the successful registration drive.
The Anne Dallas Dudley Awards are open to all Tennessee public, charter/private school, and home school associations. This award is named in honor of renowned Tennessee suffragist Anne Dallas Dudley, who helped lead the successful effort to ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. On Aug. 18, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th and final state needed to give women the right to vote.
For more information about the Anne Dallas Dudley Awards and other civic engagement efforts offered through the Secretary of State’s office, please visit : sos.tn.gov/civics.
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