Courtesy photo
2024 Marc Wesley Hardy Human Rights Award
Submitted by Debra Volz
First Congregational Church of Westfield (FCC) presented the 2024 Marc Wesley Hardy Human Rights Award on May 19, 2024, to Sophia Mekbeb of Scotch Plains, NJ. Awarded annually to a student advocate for social justice and human rights, the honor commemorates the life of Marc Wesley Hardy, 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.
Sophia Mekbeb is a junior at the Union County Academy for Performing Arts (Union County Vocational-Technical Schools/UCV-TS). During her time at the school, she has served as President of APA’s International Thespian Society, an academic honor society for which she organized multiple community outreach events and fundraisers.
In addition, and to further her commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, Sophia organizes monthly school assemblies, including showcases for Black History Month and Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month. She is also the recipient of College Board National African American Recognition Award., an honor for academically exceptional African American students who have scored in the top 10 percent of the state on the PSAT or earned a top score on AP exams.
“As the daughter of an Ethiopian immigrant, my heritage is integral to my identity and is a driving force in my being so politically minded,” says Sophia. “My hope is that I can one day be a leading example and make space for other women and people of color in the political sphere.”
Sophia was the Secretary of Speech & Debate at UCVTS and helped to organize and coordinate the school’s first County Invitational since COVID-19, in which she competed at the varsity level, and which led her to Montclair State University’s Model UN Academy.
“During this week-long intensive, under the instruction of a former United Nations ambassador, I was able to simulate UN summits on a wide variety of diplomacy issues, negotiate treaties, draft legislation, and observe real-world current events alongside teens from across the globe,” Sophia stated. “At the program’s culmination, I was voted and awarded Best Delegate for significant treaty propositions, consistent leadership, and conflict resolution.”
In Sophia’s application for the Marc Hardy Award, she explained that her work experience, awards, and advancement opportunities have propelled her into a lifelong dedication to political activism, and that she plans to pursue a degree in public policy or international relations.
“The intersection of art and activism is a fundamental aspect of everyone’s lives; theatre has the unique power to resonate with audiences emotionally, challenge them intellectually, and inspire them to take steps toward a more just future. I hope that, in pursuing a politically minded career, I can also incorporate my deep love for the performing arts in a way that creates meaningful change.”
Each year the honoree receives a scholarship and certificate from the FCC Board of Ministries during its worship service. On Sunday, May 19, Marc’s mother, Delores, was in attendance to celebrate this amazing young woman and the work she has only just begun.
To view the award presentation and hear more from Sophia Mekbeb, visit the FCC Facebook page (facebook.com/FCCWestfield/videos/1358734084792464). To learn more about the Marc Wesley Hardy Award for Human Rights, visit fccofwestfield.org/marchardy.
About First Congregational Church of Westfield
FCC is a welcoming, inclusive, open-minded Christian community that has discovered the freedom and joy a spiritual life offers. Our ministry is committed to sharing God’s love through service to others, thought-provoking worship, and fostering faith among generations.
We aspire to nourish the individual on their spiritual journey; explore the intersection of community and faith; and remain faithful to God’s vision in a changing world.
First Congregational Church is located at 125 Elmer Street, Westfield. For additional information on worship services, outreach efforts and programs for all ages, please call (908) 233-2494 or visit fccofwestfield.org, and follow FCC on Facebook @FCCWestfield.
