about the Marc Wesley Hardy Human Rights Award
The Board of Ministries presents the annual Marc Wesley Hardy Human Rights Award to young adults between the ages of 16-22, living in Westfield or the greater Union County area, who have distinguished themselves in the area of human rights. The award is named in honor of Marc Hardy, a member of our church, who was killed in a tragic car accident in 1990 shortly before his graduation from Westfield High School. Marc was a National Merit Scholar, a gifted singer and actor, and very passionate about human rights and social justice.
The award is bestowed upon a person who has shown openness, friendliness and support to people of all races, creeds and nationalities; involvement and leadership in organizations and activities committed to improving human relations; extraordinary personal dignity; the willingness to risk for what he or she believes is right; unqualified acceptance of others; respect for diversity; personal integrity; caring and willingness to listen; and the ability to lead by example.
Recipients of this award receive a certificate and a monetary award. Nominations are collected between March and April each year and winners can expect to be notified by early May. The award presentation is held during a select worship service, with members of the Hardy family present, and a focused message is given from the pulpit.
Eligibility and Requirements
Students must be age 16-22 and live in Westfield or the greater Union County area. They should possess the qualities that exemplify Marc Hardy’s commitment to human rights.
To apply for the Award, the following my be submitted:
An essay by the applicant, explaining how they embody core tenants of the “Award Criteria” outlined below (500 words maximum)
A copy of the nominee’s completed College Common Application or equivalent resume, including course work, employment, club activities, and other experiences relevant to the Award (excluding all financial information).
The name and contact information of a reference who is not a family member of the nominee (i.e. a teacher, school official or other individual who is not related to the applicant). By providing this information, the applicant authorizes a member of the Award Committee from First Congregational Church of Westfield to contact the reference if additional information is required.
Award Criteria
In considering applicants for the Marc Wesley Hardy Human Rights Award, the award selection committee will look at a variety of factors, including:
Demonstrated dedication and commitment to advocating and protecting civil and human rights;
Leadership in efforts to fight discrimination and prejudice, and/or the effects of past discrimination, school bullying or violence;
A commitment to fostering positive communication and actively promoted inter-group relations among people of different races, ages, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientations, religious backgrounds, or physical and mental abilities;
Demonstrated sustained commitment to raising of the level of awareness and concern for the values and importance of human rights;
Creating or working on programs to educate and inform members of the community of their civil and human rights.
This list is by no means intended to be exhaustive. Overall, nominations should reflect civil and human rights achievements by the nominee through specific work with other individuals or groups, or through a specific project or activity that has a visible, tangible, or measurable impact on the perception of, attitude toward, respect for and treatment of other people.
Nominations should include detailed descriptions of the organizations and activities on which the candidates have been involved, as well as concrete examples and stories that illustrate the criteria listed above.
The Awards Committee will also accept any other information or material that would reflect the nominee’s values and personal commitment to human rights.
Nomination Submission
Nominations must be received no later than April 25, 2025 and should be mailed and/or emailed to:
First Congregational Church of Westfield
125 Elmer Street
Westfield, NJ 07090
office@fccofwestfield.org
Please direct any questions to the church office at 908-233-2494 or office@fccofwestfield.org.