Bradshaw Literary Award Submissions

Open Only to HMHS Seniors – Due Monday, March 16th, 2026

Click here to download the Submission Details (PDF)

Bradshaw Literary Award

This year’s 2026 prompt:

This year’s 2026 Bradshaw Literary Award prompt is, 250 years ago, the New Jersey Delegates met at the Indian King Tavern in Haddonfield to officially ratify the Declaration of Independence, marking the historic transition from a colony to a sovereign State. As a vital “crossroads” of the American Revolution, Haddonfield played a pivotal role in the birth of our nation—a legacy that continues to shape its modern civic identity as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Our nation was founded on the principles of civic engagement and the spirit of self-determination. How has your life in Haddonfield been shaped by that same enduring spirit?

Here are the Details to Submit:

1. This scholarship is only open to Haddonfield Memorial High School (HMHS) seniors.
2. All submissions due Monday, March 16th, 2026
3. The essay should be in 5 paragraph form and have a maximum length of 500 words
4. Students MUST include a contact phone number at the top of your essay – submissions will be “blind” – no names
5. Please submit a typed and printed copy of your essay to School Administrator Samantha Wilson at the front office.
6. The HCA Annual Town Dinner is April 15th at the Tavistock Country Club
7. The winner will be recognized at our Annual Town Dinner on April 9th and receive a $500 scholarship on Senior Awards Night

Click Here to see the 2025 Bradshaw Literary Award recipient.

History of the Bradshaw Literary Award

The Civic Association established an essay competition open to high school senior boys during the HCA presidency of Robert Bradshaw (1920-1925). Mr. Bradshaw had a strong interest in the youth of the community and introduced the competition to encourage participation of young people in civic affairs. In 1931, the Civic Association paid tribute to its late past president by renaming the competition the Robert Bradshaw Memorial Essay Contest. Submissions to the contest were expanded in 2010 to allow for student recognition in both the visual and performing arts.

Today, we ask all HMHS seniors to give thoughtful consideration to a civic-related writing prompt developed by the HCA Education Committee with assistance from both the English and Social Studies departments at HMHS. Submissions are evaluated by members of the HCA Board of Governors and the winner is asked to present their essay at the HCA annual Town Dinner.  The winning student is also presented with a $500 award scholarship on Senior Awards Night.

Past Bradshaw Literary Award Winners

Examples of past prompts:

• 1931 – Community Spirit in School and Town
• 1957 – My Philosophy of Life
• 1961 – Good Government is My Responsibility
• 1965 – What Improvements can be made in Haddonfield for the Teenager
• 1972 – A Citizen’s Responsibility to the Local Community
• 1977 – What Do You See as Problems Being Faced by Borough Officials and Citizens in 1987?
• 1983 – How Will the Computer Change Our Lives?
• 1985 – What is my Responsibility as A Concerned Citizen for the Solution to the Trash Disposal Problem at Home and In the World?
• 2020 – Voters across America, including some HMHS seniors, will cast their votes. There are many ways – apart from voting – that young people can be civically engaged. Describe how young people can get more involved in their community (as you choose to define community). Or, if you have been civically active within your community, describe that experience.
• 2021 – The COVID-19 pandemic has caused painful disruption to people’s lives all over the world, including our local community. During this time of crisis, we have made many sacrifices both personally and collectively to protect not only ourselves but our families, friends, neighbors and those most vulnerable. These challenging times have also brought us together in efforts to support each other and people outside of our community. Describe one example of how an individual or community organization sought to help another person or group cope with the consequences of the pandemic and explain the significance of their efforts. If you have been involved in something personally, please share your experience.
• 2022 – What you do in Haddonfield matters to the world. In what ways have your past experiences, interests and passions led you to engage in our community? What have you learned and how does our town, Haddonfield, benefit from your engagement?
• 2023 – In what ways does Haddonfield prepare you to mature into civic minded, engaged citizens ready to use your time, talents, and passion for the betterment of the community?
• 2024 – It is crucially important for Citizens to engage and act for the betterment of the community. Haddonfield has been blessed for much of its history with people who dedicated time, talent and energy to making our town an admirable place to call home. Considering all those you have met in schools, organizations, church, family and neighborhood is there someone you would consider a model for others to follow? A person who embodies passion for civic engagement and has worked to the benefit of our town maybe even inspired others to engage as well. Has this example of service to the community inspired you to get involved?
• 2025 – The election for Haddonfield Commissioners is this May 2025. If you were running for Commissioner (and possibly Mayor), what would your civic platform include, your
  priorities, and why?