A team of Kea'au High School students will represent the state at the 2008 National Consumer League's LifeSmarts competition in Minneapolis from Saturday to Tuesday.

The event tests knowledge of personal finance, health and safety, the environment, technology and consumer rights. Updates on the competition will be at www.lifesmarts.org; it will be streamed live at www.nextgenweb.org.

$5,000 GRANT TO YOUNG MUSICIANS

The city has awarded a $5,000 grant to the Hawaii Youth Symphony for its 2007-2008 season.

"The Hawaii Youth Symphony is the top provider of orchestral music education in the state," Mayor Mufi Hannemann said in a news release.

The mayor will present the grant at 5 p.m. Sunday at the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall during a spring concert featuring the Youth Symphony.

HPU HONORING SANDBLOM, TAY

Hawai'i Pacific University will award its Paul C.T. Loo Distinguished Alumni Awards at 6 p.m. April 25 at the Wai'alae Country Club.

Marissa Sandblom, who earned her bachelor's in 2000 and master's of business administration in 2001, will receive the professional achievement award. At the age of 26, Sandblom was named president of the Grove Farm Foundation on Kaua'i.

Andrew Tay, who earned his bachelor's in 1998, will receive the alumni service award for his service to the community in his home of Signapore.

Nash Subotic, who earned his bachelor's in 2002 and his master's of business administration in 2004, will be awarded the young alumni award, which is given to a recent graduate who serves as a role model to future alumni.

To make reservations for the event, visit www.hpu.edu/looreservation. The deadline for reservations is April 18.

HISTORY DAY AT WINDWARD CC

More than 260 students from 40 schools will participate in the Hawai'i State History Day on April 19 at Windward Community College.

The program encourages young people to explore a historical subject with a project. This year's theme is Conflict and Compromise in History.

Judging begins at 9 a.m. and an awards ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in in the Hale 'Akoakoa Building.

The entire event is open to the public. For information, visit www.hihumanities.org.

OCCIDENTAL ESSAY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Occidental Underwriters of Hawaii is offering a "Fulfilling Dreams" scholarship contest in celebration of its 75th anniversary.

The essay contest is open to all high school seniors. Students are being asked to write on "Why insurance is important?" First prize earns $3,500; second prize $2,500; and third $1,500. The entry deadline is May 5.

For information or an application, visit www.askoxy.com, call 536-1933, or e-mail info@askoxy.com.

SAINT FRANCIS FAIR ON MAY 3

Saint Francis School will hold its annual Ohana Fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 3 on the school grounds.

There will be pony rides, a petting zoo, fun rides, games and prizes, farmers market, silent auction, a lei stand, white elephant sale and food.

For more information visit www.stfrancis-oahu.org or call 988-4111, ext. 718.