HBFoL Scholarship Program - Turning The Page (Creative Writing)

HBFoL Scholarship Program - Turning The Page

Geographic Scope: Beach Cities (Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach), California

Category: Creative Writing

Write an original fictional story in which a book, story, or act of reading changes the course of a person's life or a community. The South Bay, especially Hermosa Beach, should appear as a meaningful setting, influence, or character. Blending realism and imagination is encouraged. Best for students who enjoy fiction, storytelling, and creative expression.

Eligibility

• Applicant Type: Juniors & Seniors in 2025-2026 academic year
• School Location: Must attend high school in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, or Redondo Beach
• Eligible Schools: Mira Costa High School, Redondo Union High School, Patricia Dreizler Continuation High School, Fusion Academy South Bay, and other accredited high schools within these cities
• Residency: Do NOT need to live in Beach Cities; only school location matters
• Exclusions: Not a family member of HBFoL Board member, judge, or program administrator
• AI Usage: Can use AI for brainstorming, grammar checking, or feedback. Cannot use AI to write sentences, paragraphs, or sections. Final writing must be your own. Undisclosed AI-generated content results in disqualification.

Judging Criteria

Turning the Page essays are scored on:

• Originality and Voice
• Narrative Craft (character, setting, structure)
• Emotional Impact and Resonance
• Connection to Reading, Learning, Curiosity, or Community

Judges: Three to five judges evaluate each category, including retired teachers, published authors, editors, and librarians. All submissions are anonymized before review. All decisions are final. HBFoL does not provide individual feedback or score reviews.

Award Distribution

• Payment Options: $1,000 deposited into a 529 college savings plan or paid directly to you for educational expenses
• Recognition: Winners are photographed at the HBFoL Bookstore and featured on Instagram (@hermosabeachfol). You choose whether to be recognized publicly or remain anonymous.
• Publication: With your permission, HBFoL shares winning essays for community engagement.

Contact Information

• Email: scholarship@hbfol.org
• Phone: (310) 776-5354
• Instagram: @hermosabeachfol
• Bookstore Address: 701 11th Place, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
• Hours: Tuesday 10am-2pm, Wednesday 5pm-7pm, Friday 10am-2pm, Saturday 10am-2pm

Timeline (2026)

• February 3: Submissions open
• April 3: Deadline (11:59 p.m. PST)
• April 4-11: Eligibility and formatting review
• April 12 - May 14: Judging period
• May 15: Winners announced

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

You qualify if you meet all three criteria:

• You are a junior or senior in the 2025–2026 academic year
• You attend a high school located in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, or Redondo Beach
• You are not a family member of an HBFoL Board member, judge, or program administrator

Step 2: Write Your Essay

Formatting Requirements:

• 500–750 words
• Double-spaced
• 12-point readable font (Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri)
• 1-inch margins
• Save as PDF
• Include a title at the top
• Do NOT include your name anywhere in the document

Essay Prompt (Turning The Page):
Write an original fictional story in which a book, story, or act of reading changes the course of a person's life or a community. The South Bay, especially Hermosa Beach, should appear as a meaningful setting, influence, or character. Blending realism and imagination is encouraged.

Step 3: Submit

Digital Submission (Preferred):

• Complete the online form and upload your essay as a PDF
• Digital submissions close at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on April 3, 2026
• File Naming Convention: [TP], [YYYY-MM-DD], [NAME OF ESSAY]
  • Example: TP, February 5, 2026, South Bay Stories

Physical Submission:

• Print your essay and complete a paper submission form (available at the HBFoL Bookstore)
• Place both in a sealed envelope and deliver or mail to:
  • HBFoL Bookstore, 701 11th Place, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
  • OR Hermosa Beach Friends of the Library, PO Box 515, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
• Physical submissions must be received or postmarked by April 3, 2026

Important Notes:

• Submissions that do not follow the naming convention may be returned or rejected
• Essays outside the 500-750 word range may be disqualified
• Do not include your name in the essay document; include it only on the submission form
• Each applicant submits to one category only; submitting to both results in disqualification of the second submission

Required Materials:

• Completed submission form (online or paper)
• Essay as PDF following all formatting requirements
• Title page with essay title (no author name)

Submission Materials Available:

• Instructions for Students (PDF)
• Official Rules (PDF)
• Paper Submission Form (PDF)