Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate presented the Carrie Chapman Catt Award to Hillcrest Academy in Kalona Thursday. The award goes to any school that registers at least 90% of eligible students to vote. Hillcrest Academy is one of eleven schools in the state to register 100% of eligible students this year. This was the school’s second consecutive year earning the award.

Pate addressed the students and faculty of Hillcrest Academy,”It’s great to be back again to your high school here. You guys have now got a tradition going, receiving this Carrie Chapman Catt Award, so next year’s senior class will have to work overtime to keep up with you. This is a significant recognition, when you talk about what I think is very important, that is our government in the grass roots and that’s making sure your voice is heard as a voter.”

The award is named after the famous Iowan who was instrumental in securing passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women access to the ballot box over 100 years ago.