Punahou pair are YoungArts Finalists

Kamden Hilliard and Connor Lawhorn, both seniors at Punahou School, were named YoungArts Finalists in writing and theater, respectively, on Monday.

YoungArts is a program of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts. The pair was chosen from more than 5,000 applicants in nine disciplines in the visual, literacy and performing arts. Students represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.

Hilliard and Lawhorn will join 150 other finalists at YoungArts Week in Miami from Jan. 9 to 14 for master classes with world-renowned artists as well as exhibitions and performances. Monetary awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 will be presented to students exhibiting excellence in their discipline. Finalists also will have a chance to become the 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, an award that gives them an opportunity to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

YoungArts Week performances will be live streamed on www.youngarts.org.

Free ‘Wizard of Oz’ screening Saturday

Honolulu City Lights will feature a free screening of the classic 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz” starring Judy Garland at 7 p.m. Saturday near Sky Gate on the Fasi Civic Center grounds.

The film will be shown on a 21-by-21-foot screen. Food will be available to purchase from food trucks and vendors.

That same night, Kraft Foods Hawaii will offer free photos with Santa from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Gingerbread House in the Honolulu Hale courtyard.

The annual celebration is presented by the city and Friends of Honolulu City Lights.