NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett has announced the state’s 2026 Civics Essay Contest and its theme.

The essay contest helps celebrate the United State’s 250th anniversary with the theme “Tennessee, America at its best.”

“Tennesseans have a celebrated and storied history of leadership and service to our great nation. Our nation’s semi-quincentennial celebration in 2026 is an appropriate occasion to reflect on those contributions,” Hargett said. “I look forward to seeing the many essays highlighting Tennessee history in this year’s Civics Essay Contest.”

All K-12 students can participate in the contest, which is open now.

Winners will receive a TNStars 529 College Savings Program and also a trip to the State Capitol in March. First place winners in each

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