The top students from Hawai'i's public middle schools have a chance to see their names in bright lights this fall.

University of Hawai'i football coach Greg McMackin is planning to create a program that will honor the academic accomplishments of sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders.

He is seeking to create an advisory board of teachers, counselors and administrators. Based on the nominations from school counselors, the board will select the "Coach McMackin Academic All-Stars."

Each All-Star will receive a T-shirt. What's more, the students, their parents and teachers will be invited to a UH football game this fall.

"We'll introduce them at halftime, put their names up on the JumboTron and give them the recognition they deserve," McMackin said.

McMackin said his foundation, which will be finalized soon, will cover the expenses. He said donations will be sought from companies that do not usually deal with the university.

"We're not going to take away any money that would go to the school or the athletic department," McMackin said.

He also said the program is not limited to football players or student-athletes.

"It's open to everyone," McMackin said.

McMackin said the concept originated while he was recruiting football players. He found that many prospects did not take the necessary courses to gain admittance to a four-year college.

"So many times, a kid isn't going to be eligible because he didn't do very well during his ninth-grade year," McMackin said.

McMackin said he wanted to create a program to inform middle-school students on the high-school courses they need to gain admission to a four-year college.

"I think some of the best teaching is done in the public schools," McMackin said. "But some students need to be motivated. When they hit the ninth grade, everything counts toward college."

One of his plans is to host an open house at UH, with professors from different fields serving as speakers.

"I'd like to get (the middle-school students) on campus, to show them the dream of college," McMackin said. "So many kids have not seen the University of Hawai'i campus."

The open house might not be feasible this semester. Instead, McMackin plans to visit middle schools.

"I want every kid to know what it takes to get into college," McMackin said. "It doesn't have to be here. It can be at another college. But every kid needs to know that it's possible. I love Hawai'i and the people here. I want to do my best to help."

NOTES

Hawai'i Speed and Quickness has sessions Saturday and Sunday morning at the UH athletic complex. Registration is at 8 a.m. Sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., and are open to all ages. The participation fee is $10, and it includes discount coupons at Jamba Juice and Jack in the Box. Current and former student-athletes serve as instructors. For details, call 949-5900. Or go to: http://www.hawaiispeedandquickness.com.