2021 Marc Wesley Hardy Human Rights Award
Submitted by Debra L. Volz
First Congregational Church (FCC) of Westfield recently presented its Marc Wesley Hardy Human Rights Award to two highly deserving high school seniors. Nala Scott from Westfield High School and Elizabeth Rehwinkel from Union County Academy for Performing Arts at UCVTS, were named the 2021 honorees of the award, which is given annually to a young person who has been an outstanding advocate for social justice, human rights and the rights of the less fortunate—three things that were of major importance to Marc in his life.
Nala Scott is a graduating senior at Westfield High School and a lifelong member of the Westfield community, who decided at a young age to speak her mind about the lack of tolerance, harassment and bullying that she was experiencing. As a junior in high school, Nala was personally invited to serve on her school’s new “No Place for Hate” committee, where students discuss ways for the school to encourage tolerance amongst the entire student body and faculty. Nala also worked in partnership with other students to organize a Black Lives Matter rally in Mindowaskin Park. The event safely gathered together over 3,000 people from all ages, races and social classes. Guest speakers included Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle, Senator Tom Malinowski, and Governor Phil Murphy.
“The event started with an eight minute and forty-six second moment of silence in honor of George Floyd,” Nala stated. “During those eight minutes, I watched the park become more full of people. It was a blessing to watch the amount of support coming from the community.”
Christine Spear of Westfield wrote in her recommendation letter for Nala, “To me, the most important take-away is that Nala stood up and was a model to others, the young people who were impacted by what she did. She was truly a role model. They learned firsthand how important it is to speak up—to stand up—for injustice. She truly made a difference.”
Nala continues to work at school and in the community to further educate her fellow students about people of color and matters of social justice. One project that is still in progress is a high school course entitled “POC (people of color) Origins.” The course will teach about the historical experiences of different race groups in America and the numerous contributions that each have made to American innovation in science, literature, medicine, and more.
Nala added, “The Mark Hardy Award means a lot to me because this scholarship embodies my main goals and actions in civil rights, something that I have always been passionate about and I will continue to be as I go off to college to find a career path in criminal rehabilitation, criminal psychiatry, or criminal justice system reform—all options are something I want to do for change.”
Elizabeth Rehwinkel is a graduating senior from the Union County Academy for Performing Arts at UCVTS and a member of FCC of Westfield. In addition to her service work as a member of FCC’s Youth Fellowship and her continuing work with the church’s Board of Christian Education, Elizabeth has advanced efforts to promote equality in Women’s rights, specifically in the STEM arena. She and her sister, Madeline, created a website with information and activities in support of women in STEM. Elizabeth also organized her high school’s first ever Women’s History Month Showcase, as well as a Black Lives Matter silent protest on the front lawn at FCC of Westfield, which was attended by many church and community members.
Elizabeth remarked, “My favorite part about the United Church of Christ is its long history of being a leader in promoting human rights. Last summer it seemed important for our congregation to continue that tradition and reaffirm to each other and the community that we and the UCC believe that Black Lives Matter.”
Elizabeth’s dedication to marginal societies and striving to make their lives more fulfilled is evident in her continued work in all areas of social justice. In addition, she volunteers with the Little Stars Special Needs Dance Class, is active in student government and school service projects, has participated in the New Jersey Governor’s STEM Scholars program, and has been a Youth deacon and Church School Assistant at FCC.
“I often question whether I am the right person to speak up about different human rights issues, even if they are very important to me,” Elizabeth stated while accepting her award. “As I go off to college and am presented with new opportunities, I will remember this day and I will remember Marc. I will take Marc with me in my heart and I will remember not to be hesitant because we will be taking action together.”
Each of this year’s honorees received a scholarship and certificate from the Board of Outreach Ministries at FCC during the worship celebration on Sunday, May 23, which was also livestreamed on Facebook. Marc’s mother, Delores Hardy, attended the service in honor of her son. The award is presented each Spring in remembrance of Marc, a member of FCC who was killed in a car accident in 1990 shortly before his graduation from Westfield High School. He was a national merit scholar, a gifted singer and actor, and was very passionate about the preservation of human rights.
