---

3 make semifinals for black scholarship

Three Oahu high school seniors have been named semifinalists for the 2008 National Achievement Scholarship Program.

Krista L. Speroni of 'Iolani School, Joshua S. Tingman of Moanalua High and Richard Galluzzi of Punahou School are among more than 1,600 African-American students in the run for the annual contest, which will award some 800 scholarships worth more than $2.5 million in the spring. About 1,300 semifinalists are expected to advance to the finals of the program, which was created in 1964 to recognize promising black students.

The James Campbell Co. has pledged $250,000 for construction of the Malama Learning Center to promote sustainable living and perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture, arts and values of caring for the land and sea. The center will be on three acres at the entrance to Kapolei High School and will serve the community.

Alu Like Inc. received a $22,500 grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to purchase a new 15-passenger van. Alu Like will use the van to transport native Hawaiian seniors to the Ke Ola Pono No Na Kupuna ("good health and living for elders") program on the Big Island.

---