---

Molokai student wins literature honor

An essay by a fifth-grader from Molokai has been honored in a national literature contest, state library officials announced.

Sarah Jenkins, from Akaula School, was a national honorable mention recipient for her essay about "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry," by Mildred Taylor, in the 2008 Letters About Literature Award contest. Jenkins, who was also a state winner, received a $100 Target gift card, and her school library received $1,000.

The two other state winners were Roy Franco, a junior at Kamehameha Schools, for his essay on "The Plague," by Albert Camus; and Ben White, a seventh-grader at Le Jardin Academy, for an essay on "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," by J.K. Rowling. They also received cash prizes and Target gift cards.

Entrants wrote a personal letter to an author explaining how his or her book affected the student's perception of life. This national contest is sponsored by the Library of Congress Center for the Book and Target.

Walgreens donated $50,000 to the University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Pharmacy. College of Pharmacy Dean John Pezzuto said the money will be used for student activities and faculty development.

---