Burns Middle Student RecognizedÂ
For Excellence in Civics Essay Contest
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Isabella Duran, a student at Burns Middle School, was recently commended by Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett for her exceptional performance in the statewide 2023 Civics Essay Contest.
The competition, open to students across Tennessee in grades K through 12 attending public, charter, private schools, or homeschool associations, received submissions centered around the theme “Why Civility Matters.” Participating schools were tasked with selecting up to two essays per grade level for submission.
Duran’s essay secured third place in the 6-8th grade category, and offered her perspective on the importance of civility in society.
Secretary Hargett extended his congratulations to Duran, emphasizing her achievement as indicative of the promising future of the state. “Students like Isabella demonstrate the future of our great state is bright,” stated Hargett.
In recognition of her accomplishment, Duran visited the State Capitol on March 21, 2024, to accept her award. Additionally, she was granted a TNStars 529 College Savings Program scholarship for her outstanding essay. 7,749 students from across the state participated in last year’s contest.
The Civics Essay Contest, alongside initiatives such as the Anne Dallas Dudley Award, College Voter Registration Competition, and Student Mock Election, are integral components of the Secretary of State’s efforts to foster civic engagement among students. These programs aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for active citizenship.
Additionally, the Secretary of State’s office offers free lesson plans designed to assist educators in integrating civic engagement and citizenship education into their curriculum. Developed by Tennessee teachers and based on the Tennessee Blue Book, these resources serve as valuable tools for educators seeking to nurture civic-mindedness in their students.
For further information regarding the Civics Essay Contest and the Secretary of State’s broader civic engagement initiatives, visit sos.tn.gov/civics.
Secretary Hargett extended his congratulations to Duran, emphasizing her achievement as indicative of the promising future of the state. “Students like Isabella demonstrate the future of our great state is bright,” stated Hargett.
In recognition of her accomplishment, Duran visited the State Capitol on March 21, 2024, to accept her award. Additionally, she was granted a TNStars 529 College Savings Program scholarship for her outstanding essay. 7,749 students from across the state participated in last year’s contest.
The Civics Essay Contest, alongside initiatives such as the Anne Dallas Dudley Award, College Voter Registration Competition, and Student Mock Election, are integral components of the Secretary of State’s efforts to foster civic engagement among students. These programs aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for active citizenship.
Additionally, the Secretary of State’s office offers free lesson plans designed to assist educators in integrating civic engagement and citizenship education into their curriculum. Developed by Tennessee teachers and based on the Tennessee Blue Book, these resources serve as valuable tools for educators seeking to nurture civic-mindedness in their students.
For further information regarding the Civics Essay Contest and the Secretary of State’s broader civic engagement initiatives, visit sos.tn.gov/civics.