Heninger Garrison Davis, LLC, is proud to announce the third annual HGD Law Scholarship Essay Contest, continuing our commitment to support the education, growth, and voices of young leaders in Alabama. This initiative, now in its third year, invites high school seniors in Jefferson, St. Clair, and Shelby counties to reflect on the defining issues of their generation and share their vision for change.
At HGD Law Firm, we believe that real change begins with those bold enough to speak up and advocate for what’s right. As a firm deeply rooted in integrity, leadership, and service, we recognize the importance of amplifying student voices—especially those ready to take on the challenges facing their communities and the world. Through this scholarship, we provide not only financial support for college-bound students but also a platform to be heard.
A Legacy of Advocacy Through Writing
Since launching the scholarship in 2024, we have received dozens of powerful essays from students eager to address the pressing issues of their time. From mental health awareness and racial equity to the dangers of distracted driving and climate anxiety, the essays have been as diverse as the students themselves. What they all share is a deep desire to make an impact.
In our inaugural year, Carson Libby was selected as the first-place winner for his moving account of a serious personal injury that changed his outlook on life and motivated his future career goals. In 2025, Laney Thompson received top honors for her thoughtful essay exploring the effects of social media on self-worth and interpersonal connections. Each year, these young voices remind us that the next generation isn’t waiting for change—they’re already leading it.
This year, we’re excited to hear from even more students ready to raise their voices and contribute to meaningful conversations about the future.
2026 Essay Theme: “Voices of the Next Generation: An Issue Worth Addressing”
The 2026 essay prompt invites students to choose a single issue that they believe is critical to their generation. It could be something personal, local, or global in scale. The essay should explain why this issue matters to the writer and what change they hope to see.
We’re not looking for perfect answers. Instead, we value honest insight, thoughtful reflection, and a willingness to engage deeply with the world around you. Whether your inspiration comes from your own experience or what you observe in your community, we want to hear what you care about—and why.
Essay Guidelines:
- Length: 750 to 1,000 words
- Focus: Personal insight, issue significance, and ideas for positive change
- Originality: Must be entirely the student’s own work—AI-generated content is strictly prohibited
- Privacy: Please avoid using real names or identifying information about others in your story
Scholarship Prizes
We’re proud to offer financial support to help winners invest in their education. This year’s awards are:
- First Place: $2,500
- Second Place: $1,000
- Third Place: $500
All funds will be paid directly to the college or university the student attends, to be used exclusively for tuition, books, and other required educational expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 2026 HGD Law Scholarship Essay Contest, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Must live in Jefferson, St. Clair, or Shelby County, Alabama
- Enrollment Status: Must be a high school senior currently enrolled in or accepted to an accredited U.S. college, university, or graduate program
- Original Content: Essay must be original, not submitted elsewhere, and must not use AI-generated content
- Agreement: Applicants must agree to the contest's terms and conditions
We take academic integrity seriously. All essays will be screened for originality, and any submission found to have used AI or plagiarized content will be disqualified.
How to Apply
The deadline to submit your essay is March 31, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances. Winners will be announced approximately one month after the deadline, following a careful review by our scholarship selection committee.
Submit your essay here:
[https://www.hgdlawfirm.com/about-us/scholarships/voices-of-the-next-generation-an-issue-worth-addressing/]
For full scholarship guidelines, visit:
👉 https://www.hgdlawfirm.com/about-us/scholarships/
Why HGD Supports Alabama Students
As one of Alabama’s leading personal injury law firms, Heninger Garrison Davis is built on a foundation of advocacy and justice. With 16 experienced attorneys and a 30-person support team, we serve clients across the state with a relentless commitment to excellence.
Our scholarship program reflects that same passion for advocacy. We know that young people hold the power to shape the future—not just in courtrooms or boardrooms, but in classrooms, communities, and conversations. By encouraging students to engage with complex issues through writing, we help cultivate thoughtful leaders who will carry the torch forward.
Whether you’re passionate about health care access, environmental justice, education equity, mental health, or any issue that’s close to your heart, we invite you to lend your voice to this growing tradition.
Contact Information
If you have questions or need additional details, feel free to reach out:
- Tzena Gauldin, Firm Administrator – [email protected]
- Mary Ashton Byrd, HR & Marketing Coordinator – [email protected]
Join the Conversation
The HGD Law Scholarship Essay Contest is more than just a writing competition—it’s a celebration of critical thinking, civic awareness, and the courage to care. If you’re a high school senior in Alabama with something to say about the world around you, we encourage you to apply.
Your perspective matters. Your ideas matter. And at Heninger Garrison Davis, we’re ready to listen.
