March 16, 2026
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett presented the prestigious Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Level Award to Monterey High School for registering 100 percent of their eligible students to vote.
“Monterey High School’s efforts reflect a dedication to building a new generation of informed and engaged Tennessee voters,” said Secretary Hargett. “Their commitment demonstrates that leadership and teamwork at every level can make a real difference in encouraging civic participation.”
Principal Bree Wheeler and Social Studies Teacher Amy Forrest accepted the award on behalf of the school. Student government leaders Sarah Wilson and Gracie Walker were recognized for registering 71 fellow students. Monterey High School previously received the Gold Level Award in 2022. Putnam County AoE Jennifer Murphy was essential to the success of voter registration efforts.
“Our civic engagement efforts would not be possible without the vital support of Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton, Representative Ryan Williams, and Senator Paul Bailey. I appreciate their backing in helping us reach Monterey’s newest voters,” said Secretary Hargett.
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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