Compass Midtown Earns Statewide Honor for 100% Voter Registration
“Learning the importance of voting and civic engagement is a lesson Compass instills in its students, as creating agents of change in our communities is Compass’ vision as a network.”
September marks National Voter Registration Month, and one Memphis high school is setting the bar high for civic engagement across the state. Compass Community Schools' Midtown campus recently received the Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Level Award, recognizing an extraordinary accomplishment: 100% of eligible students registered to vote.
Named in honor of Tennessee suffragist Anne Dallas Dudley—who played a pivotal role in the fight for women's voting rights and the ratification of the 19th Amendment—the award is designed to elevate the next generation of voters and leaders. The Gold Level signifies a perfect record: every eligible student, 18 and older by the next election, is now a registered voter.
“We’re honored to be recognized by Secretary of State Tre Hargett with the Anne Dallas Dudley Award for the second consecutive year,” said Scott Stephens, educator at Compass Midtown. “In 2024, we earned the Silver Level award for achieving over 85% student voter registration. This year, we were thrilled to receive the Gold Level award, meaning we attained 100% of eligible students who registered to vote. This award affirms Compass Midtown’s ongoing commitment to empowering students with opportunities that foster civic responsibility and a lifelong dedication to service learning.”
A Six-Month Journey to 100%
Reaching this milestone wasn’t an overnight effort—it took six months of planning, partnership, and persistence.
“We partnered with the Shelby County Election Commission, who visited our four US Government classes twice – once in September and again in January – to register students,” said Stephens. “Our students also took part in a Voter Registration Rally hosted by the Memphis Grizzlies. In addition, we welcomed Congressman Steve Cohen, State Senator London Lamar and State Representative Justin Pearson to campus, where they spoke directly with students about the importance of the youth vote.”
The Students’ Reactions
Not every student approached voter registration with the same mindset. Some were ready. Some were unsure. And others had questions.
“Voting is a rite of passage, and they wanted to be recognized for participating. Some were curious. What is involved? How difficult is it to register and vote? What is the actual process of voting? Throughout the process, dedicated staff and community partners were there alongside students, helping them navigate these thoughts and feelings with guidance and support.
This opportunity gave many of them the confidence to speak up about issues in their community. They realized that their voices matter and that taking action (even something as simple as registering to vote) can create real impact.”
Last November, we proudly took four first-time voters to the polls. The joy on their faces as they emerged – eager to wear their 'I Voted' stickers and show them off at school – captured exactly what this work is all about.”
What’s Next: Voter Registration Month
With National Voter Registration Month coming up, Compass Midtown isn’t slowing down. The school is already planning a campus-wide Voter Registration Drive, more visits from local representatives, and partnerships with community events that align with their civic mission.
“Our goal is to empower students to become agents of change in their community,” Stephens said. “Voting is a fundamental responsibility of every citizen in a democracy, and our push to achieve 100% student registration highlights both the importance of civic participation and the ease of continuing a life of service beyond graduation.”
Join the Movement
The Anne Dallas Dudley Award is open to all Tennessee public and private schools, as well as homeschool associations. To qualify:
Gold Level: 100% of eligible students (18+ by the next election) registered to vote.
Silver Level: 85% of eligible students registered.
Click the link to get registered to vote today!
