Kim Sanders, a third-grade teacher at Iroquois Point Elementary School in Ewa Beach, is one of 200 teachers selected nationwide to attend the one-week 2009 Mickelson Exxon- Mobil Teachers Academy in New Jersey.

Elisabeth Joy Keiko Kurashige, a home-schooled senior, competed for scholarships against 53 other national champions in the final round of the 72nd American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship program in Indianapolis. The high school students made speeches on a U.S. constitutional topic in vying for $18,000, $16,000 and $14,000 scholarships.

Jeanne Morris was selected for the 2009 Outstanding Public Health Volunteer award by the national Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps. She is a member of Maui County Health Volunteers.