State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, D-21st (Nanakuli, Makaha), will teach political communication at Hawai'i Pacific University this fall.

The course, an elective in the HPU College of Communication master's program, focuses on campaign strategies, media and governmental relations, rhetorical and demographic analysis, and the effect of technology on modern campaigns.

"We are pleased to attract experts in their fields, such as Sen. Hanabusa, to share with our students, particularly during a presidential election," John Hart, associate dean of the College of Communication, said in a news release.

Hanabusa is a practicing attorney with more than 29 years of experience, and was elected a state senator in 1998. In 2006, she was elected Senate president — the first woman to lead either house in the Hawai'i Legislature.

Hanabusa attended the University of Hawai'i, receiving a bachelor of arts degree in economics and sociology and a master of arts degree in sociology. She completed her juris doctorate at the UH law school.

The class will be offered from 5:15 to 8:10 p.m. Mondays at the Downtown campus. For more information, contact communication@hpu.edu.

ESSAY WINNERS GET SCHOLARSHIPS

Alyssa Santos, a 2008 Castle High School graduate, was awarded a $3,500 scholarship by Occidental Underwriters of Hawai'i for her first-place finish in the insurance company's Fulfilling Dreams essay contest.

Santos will attend Biola University this fall, where she plans to study nursing.

Kaiser High School graduate Dawson Vorderbruegge received a $2,500 scholarship for second place. He plans to attend California State University-Stanislaus this fall.

Kala Tye of Waialua High School placed third, earning a $1,500 scholarship. Tye will attend the University of Hawai'i-Manoa.

Occidental Underwriters of Hawaii held the contest in honor of its 75th anniversary.

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AID

Students interested in Hawai'i Community Foundation's Vocational Scholarship Program should submit their applications by either July 1 or Oct. 1, depending on the academic term being applied for.

The scholarship program for the fall 2008 and spring 2009 academic year is open to students seeking certification or degrees through the University of Hawai'i community college system and other smaller, private institutions.

Vocational programs may include, but are not limited to, culinary arts, practical nursing, auto repair, cosmetology and computer graphics.

Download the application form at www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org.

MAUI WRITERS CONFERENCE

The Maui Writers Conference is offering scholarships to its upcoming conference on O'ahu.

Recipients will receive 50 percent off the registration fee. Applicants should be high school or university students in the state or a writer with financial hardship.

The conference will be held Aug. 29 to Sept. 1 at the Ala Moana Hotel and the Hawai'i Convention Center.

To apply, submit a three- to five-page writing sample and proof of enrollment at a qualified school. Writers applying due to financial hardship must submit an explanation of their situation.

Visit www.mauiwriters.com or call 808-879-0061 to apply.