The First Congregational Church in Essex, United Church of Christ, has created a $1,000 award/scholarship, which it hopes to present to a deserving Valley Regional High School graduating senior. The graduating senior must provide ample evidence of his or her involvement in programming related to and the promotion of anti-bullying behavior.

The award/scholarship has been made possible through the efforts of the church's Open and Affirming Committee and Trustees. The "O&A" Committee promotes an inclusive and welcoming spiritual mandate informing policy and culture within the church. The church believes that all persons should be treated equally with dignity and respect.

An application for this award/scholarship can be obtained by emailing the church at office@essexucc.org or through the Valley Regional High School counseling office. If a winner is chosen, his or her name will be announced during the Valley Regional High School graduation ceremony. In 2012, the scholarship was awarded to Ashley Poholski, now a freshman at Fairfield University.