May 4, 2026
CONTACT:
Ben Hill
615.253.1811
Ben.Hill@tnsos.gov
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — On Monday Secretary of State Tre Hargett presented Van Buren County High School with their second Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Level Award. The award recognizes the school’s outstanding achievement in registering 100 percent of their eligible students.
“As Secretary of State, it’s encouraging to see the bright future of students right here in Tennessee,” said Secretary Hargett. “I’m very proud of Van Buren County High’s enthusiasm for civic engagement, and this recognition should serve as an example to all of Van Buren County.”
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 duty. Student ambassadors Addacyn Emery and Remington Hillis were commended by Secretary Hargett for their leadership and dedication to the effort. Social Studies Teachers Shane Hall and Elizabeth McGowan worked to ensure the school achieved the award.
Senator Paul Bailey and Representative Ron Travis are strong advocates for civic engagement across their districts and throughout the state. Van Buren County Administrator of Elections Wayne Simons also provides support throughout the registration 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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