Below is a press release from the office of the Mississippi Secretary of State:
Secretary Michael Watson honored K-12 students and teachers during a special awards ceremony at the Two Mississippi Museums Thursday. The event marked the conclusion of the 2021 Promote the Vote program, a longstanding voter education effort consisting of mock elections, contests, and elections curriculum. The 2021 "Vote Local" theme encouraged students to learn about Mississippi's municipal elections process.
"Typically, our youth only hear about voting around the time of statewide or presidential elections, so it was important for us to shine a light on the local races which have as much, if not more, of an impact on their lives,” said Secretary Watson. "Whether it was through writing or illustration, our Promote the Vote winners successfully showcased their knowledge of local offices and the importance of civic engagement."
More than 31,000 students participated in the 2021 Promote the Vote program. Our office continued our partnership with Mississippi Public Broadcasting's (MPB) Education Department to encourage school, teacher, and student participation. In addition to the art and essay contests, MPB organized a social media contest to boost participation and spark friendly competition across the state.
“Mississippi Public Broadcasting is proud to play a role in this vital program with our friends at the Secretary of State’s Office,” said Teresa Collier, MPB Interim Executive Director and Director of News. “Promote the Vote utilizes an innovative approach to instill the importance of civic engagement, the election process and the right to vote. Together, we are building the next generation of voters.”
Promote the Vote is a nonpartisan program free to participating schools. Details regarding registration for the 2022 program will be announced here on our website.
2021 PTV WINNERS LIST
ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS
6TH - 8TH GRADE
1st Place: KELCIE BYARS
Desoto Central Middle School
2nd Place: MADDOX HOUSE
Annunciation Catholic School
3rd Place: GAVIN ELLIOT
Annunciation Catholic School
Honorable Mention: KIRSTYN SHEGOG
Batesville Junior High School
Honorable Mention: ISABEL KEITH
Annunciation Catholic School
Honorable Mention: MIA JOSEPH
Crystal Springs Middle School
9TH – 10TH GRADE
1st Place: LINDSEY RUFF
Desoto Central High School
2nd Place: LANNA KELLUM
Carthage Christian Academy
3rd Place: ALEYAH ALEXANDER
Carthage Christian Academy
11TH – 12TH GRADE
1st Place: RYAN CROSBY
Desoto Central High School
2nd Place: VAIBHAVI MAHAJAN
Northwest Rankin High School
3rd Place: MOLLY KATE CARLEY
Carley Homeschool
Honorable Mention: ELLA HAYNES KIMBRELL
Parklane Academy
DIGITAL ART CONTEST WINNERS
6TH - 8TH GRADE
1st Place: ANNA REID WHITTINGTON
Alexander Junior High
2nd Place: ELLIE NEHLS
Desoto Central Middle School
3rd Place: COLEMAN KNOTT
Alexander Junior High
Honorable Mention: KARR WOLFE
Alexander Junior High
9TH - 12TH GRADE
1st Place: ELLA HAYNES KIMBRELL
Parklane Academy
CARTOON CONTEST WINNERS
3RD - 5TH GRADE
1st Place: AMELIA LAIRD
Enterprise Attendance Center
2nd Place: ARIYAH GRAISE
Crystal Springs Middle School
3rd Place: EMMALYN BRIDGE
Lipsey Middle School
Honorable Mention: REISE LIGHTSEY
Batesville Intermediate School
6TH – 8TH GRADE
1st Place: AUTUMN JOHNSON
Brandon Middle School
2nd Place: CHARLIZE CLARK
Desoto Central Middle School
3rd Place: PRESLEY CLEVELAND
Brandon Middle School
Honorable Mention: MICHAELA PENN
Brandon Middle School
9TH – 10TH GRADE
1st Place: ETHAN WALTON
Water Valley High School
2nd Place: KYLE CAMP
Water Valley High School
3rd Place: DENESHIA SPEARMAN
Water Valley High School
Honorable Mention: SIEN MCNATT
Water Valley High School
11TH – 12TH GRADE
1st Place: MADISON ADAMS
Water Valley High School
2nd Place: DARRA POWELL
Carthage Christian Academy
3rd Place: MYA VASSER-HARDY
Water Valley High School
Honorable Mention: AMYA MCCRAY
Water Valley High School
Honorable Mention: SKYLAR SMITH
Water Valley High School
