April 24, 2026
CONTACT:
Ben Hill
615.253.1811
Ben.Hill@tnsos.gov
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett has announced that Peabody High School is a recipient of the Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Level Award for the first time, recognizing the school’s outstanding achievement in registering 80 student voters—100 percent of its eligible student body. Student ambassador Mackenzie Reeves and the Peabody Heritage Scholars Club were recognized for their leadership and dedication to the effort.
The Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Level Award represents the highest distinction in Tennessee’s student voter registration initiative, honoring schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment to civic engagement. Peabody High School previously earned Silver Level recognition in 2025, making this year’s achievement a significant milestone.
“I’m always encouraged to see students and educators in Gibson County go above and beyond to help build civic participation in Tennessee,” said Secretary Hargett. “This accomplishment by Peabody High serves as an example to entire community.”
History teacher Sandy Hodges and Principal Sonya Hayman accepted the award on behalf of the school from Christian Cervantes, the Civics Engagement Coordinator for the Tennessee Secretary of State's office. Gibson County Administrator of Elections Emily Brown also provides support and collaboration throughout the initiative.
The Anne Dallas Dudley Awards program is open to Tennessee public, charter, private and homeschool associations. It is named for Anne Dallas Dudley, who helped lead the successful effort to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, granting women the right to vote. Tennessee became the 36th and final state to ratify the amendment on Aug. 18, 1920.
For more information about the Anne Dallas Dudley Awards and other civic engagement initiatives, visit: sos.tn.gov/civics.
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