Susan Burton, Henry County Schools Communications Director
PARIS, TN – Henry County High School announces it has been named the only school in Northwest Tennessee to receive the prestigious Governor’s Civics Seal. This honor, awarded by the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE), recognizes HCHS for its commitment to preparing students to be active, informed, and engaged citizens.
Today, Rebekah Reed, Social Studies Manager for the TDOE, visited the campus to celebrate this achievement with the student body. During her presentation to the Senior class, she highlighted the incredible milestone reached by the Class of 2025: every single graduate scored an 85% or higher on the state’s Civics assessment.
“I want to come back next year and present your school with another banner,” Reed told the students, noting that HCHS is part of an elite group. “Only 93 schools across all of Tennessee were awarded a banner this year.”
Earning the Governor’s Civics Seal is a rigorous process that goes far beyond a single exam. To qualify, HCHS students and teachers worked hand-in-hand to bring history and government to life through:
Interactive Learning: Using “Blue Book” lesson plans provided by the Secretary of State to explore democratic principles.
Real-World Engagement: Hosting mock elections and student-led voter registration drives.
Community Projects: Completing at least five major activities focused on how our government functions.
Teacher Excellence: Participating in specialized professional development to ensure Henry County students receive top-tier instruction.
This recognition underscores Henry County’s mission to ensure that when students walk across the graduation stage, they aren’t just leaving with a diploma—they are leaving with the tools to contribute meaningfully to their community and their country.
“The faculty and staff at HCHS are incredibly proud of our students’ hard work and look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence for the Class of 2026 and beyond.” said HCHS Principal Dr. Michele Webb.