PRESS RELEASE
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) – In celebration of the United States’ 250-year anniversary, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett today announced the 2026 Civics Essay Contest and theme for K-12 students: “Tennessee, America at Its Best.”
“Tennesseans have a celebrated and storied history of leadership and service to our great nation. Our nation’s semiquincentennial celebration in 2026 is an appropriate occasion to reflect on those contributions,” Secretary Hargett said. “I look forward to seeing the many essays highlighting Tennessee history in this year’s Civics Essay Contest.”
Students, educators, and parents interested in learning more about the 2026 Civics Essay Contest can access contest rules and the submission process by visiting sos.tn.gov/civics-essay-contest. The submission deadline is Friday, February 20, 2026, at 11:59 pm.
The Civics Essay Contest is part of the Secretary of State’s longstanding civics engagement program, designed to encourage students to become actively engaged citizens. Students from all public, private, or home school associations currently in kindergarten through 12th grade are encouraged to participate.
Winners will receive a TNStars 529 College Savings Program scholarship and a trip to the State Capitol on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The trip includes an award presentation luncheon for winners and their families, an opportunity to serve as a legislative page during session, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Tennessee State Library and Archives.
First-place winners in each grade will receive a $500 scholarship, with second and third-place winners receiving $250 and $100, respectively.
Additional civic engagement and education resources provided by the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office include lesson plans for educators, voter registration drive information, and the annual Anne Dallas Dudley Award Program.
For more information about civic engagement opportunities offered through the Secretary of State’s office, please visit sos.tn.gov/civics.
The Magnolia Post
