Farrington students win $10,000

Farrington High School students have won $10,000 in a national environmental contest.

The 10-student team, “;The Ripple of Life,”; won the Lexus Eco Challenge's water prize.

The team was recognized for increasing awareness about marine debris, pollution and water conservation by distributing educational fliers, attending community events and organizing beach and stream cleanups. Students also made presentations to elementary and middle schools.

Team members included Dexter Artienda, Sara Jane Antalan, Mark Cadiz, Andrea Gamata, Juben Garces, Jevin Gueib, Mark Lombawa, Victoria Milo, Ted Olivas and Vanessa Pulido. Bebi Davis was the teacher adviser.

They will be invited to the finals of the Lexus competition for a chance to earn $50,000.

Farrington High took one of two grand prizes from the previous Lexus challenge. A team of students, also advised by Davis, shared $75,000 for a campaign to educate people about the benefits of clean energy such as fuel cells.

Scholarships available for women

The AARP Foundation is offering 100 national scholarships to women 40 and over who are seeking new job skills, training and educational opportunities to support themselves and their families.

Individuals with moderate to lower incomes who can demonstrate financial need should apply for the Women's Scholarship Program by March 31.

Applicants must also enroll in an accredited school or training program within six months of the scholarship award date to be eligible.

Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000, depending on financial need and the cost of the education or training program, a release said. Scholarships may be used for any course of study at public or private community colleges, technical schools and four-year universities. Funds will be payable to the institution and may be used to pay for tuition, fees and books.

Applications may only be submitted online at http://www.aarpfoundationwlc.org.

Damage and budget cuts close park

MANA, Kauai » Polihale State Park will remain closed likely until summer due to damage to the park and budget cuts, officials with the Department of Land and Natural Resources said Wednesday.

Department Director Laura Thielen said there is a $4 million price tag to fix Polihale, part of the largest uninterrupted sand beach in the state, and that the proposed Recreational Renaissance plan will help the department fund and implement emergency capital improvement projects, like Polihale.

Polihale was damaged during heavy rain in December that rendered the park's 5-mile cane haul road impassable, and the waterline was damaged as well, leaving the park without bathrooms and water.