In 1920, Tennessee’s deciding vote ratified the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and gave American women the right to vote. Women like Anne Dallas Dudley played a vital role in securing these efforts. In 2021, to encourage students to become civic-minded citizens, the Secretary of State’s office launched an effort to increase voter registration among students nearing the voting age by offering two levels of the Anne Dallas Dudley Award.
Last fall, our US History and Government teacher, Mrs. Deb Stout, took proactive measures to register potential voters. She invited the Roane County Election Commission to guide our students through the voter registration process, a significant step towards fostering civic responsibility.
In March, the news broke that Harriman High School was one of 32 high schools that would receive the prestigious Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Award. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to civic engagement. But the true celebration came in the days following March 5th, as our students shared their stories of their first voting experience—a moment that not only marks our past but secures our democracy now and into the future.
On Friday, during a special assembly attended by students, faculty, special guests, and state and local leaders, the Tennessee Secretary of State's office recognized HARRIMAN HIGH SCHOOL for registering 100% of our eligible Seniors to vote.
Junior Lainey Skarsten, the Girls' State Delegate for this upcoming Summer, gave a brief synopsis of the award and introduced Secretary Hargett. Sen. Ken Yager also addressed the assembly, encouraging the student body and all present to be proactive citizens and utilize their right to vote.
Student Ambassadors Urja Patel and Drake Vilendrer and Election Administrator Charles Holiway received honors for their pivotal role in leading students through the voter registration process.
Honored and distinguished guests in attendance: Senator Ken Yager, Charles Holiway (Roane County Administrator Of Elections), Russell Jenkins (Director, Roane County Schools), Lance Duff (Secondary Supervisor of Roane County Schools and Roane County Commissioner), Danny Wright and Diane Tate (School Board Members), Justin Snow (President/CEO Roane Alliance), Jennifer Brown (Roane Alliance Director of Education and Workforce Development), Dawn Carlock (Roane Alliance Chamber Coordinator), and Carsyn Smiling (Field Representative for Sen. Blackburn).
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