CONTACT:
Ben Hill
615.253.1811
Ben.Hill@tnsos.gov
April 17, 2026
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett, alongside Senator Mark Pody and Representative Clark Boyd, presented the prestigious Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Level Award to Friendship Christian School for the fifth consecutive year. Senior student ambassadors Madelyn Morgan and Greenlee Illobre helped to register 100 percent of the 19 eligible students to vote.
“I am always impressed by the students, faculty, and staff at Friendship Christian School, and the Wilson County Election Commission for their ongoing partnership to increasing voter registration within their communities.” said Secretary Hargett. “I look forward to FCS continuing its winning ways in future years.”
Secretary Hargett recognized several individuals for their hard work including Principal Veronica Bender, History Teacher Mr. Adam Lipshie, and Wilson County Administrator of Elections Tammy Smith for their support of the successful drive. Sen. Pody and Rep. Boyd play critical roles as well in advancing the importance of civic engagement across their districts.
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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