About 3,000 energetic fifth- and sixth-graders got a good laugh yesterday out of some pretty serious subjects — from bullying to the emotional highs and lows of adolescence — as part of a program aimed at easing students’ fears about shifting to middle school.

The students from around Oahu were gathered for the "Moving On Up!" convention, whose organizers are celebrating the event’s 20th anniversary this year while also worrying about its future.

About $45,000 in state funding for the program is in jeopardy amid feared budget reductions, event planners said.

Adult Friends for Youth pitches in about $35,000 annually for the event, held on Oahu and the neighbor islands, and collects about $20,000 from other sponsors.

"At this point if that (state) funding is cut, we would actually not hold it," said Deborah Spencer-Chun, president and chief executive officer of Adult Friends for Youth.

Yesterday’s convention at the Blaisdell Center arena attracted more than 38 schools islandwide, whose students were kept in stitches by the caricatures of comedian Frank De Lima.

Similar gatherings will be held this month on Maui, Hawaii island and Kauai. In all statewide, 5,796 students from 73 schools participate.

Spencer-Chun said the convention is designed to be upbeat, fun and jovial, sending a message to kids through education-themed entertainment about the perils of treating others badly, the virtues of the golden rule and the importance of seeking out trusted adults for help.

At the event, students get the opportunity to think and talk about heavy issues like bullying, peer pressure, relationships and their future.

These days, she said, students also want to know about uniquely modern problems — like cyberbullying.

During the half-day convention, students listen to stand-up and songs that deal with growing up but also get to ask questions during a panel discussion with educators and peers.

Students who attended the event yesterday said they were excited about making the jump to middle school, but some also admitted to being a little nervous.

When asked whether she was worried about anything, 10-year-old Cyerra Ramos said, "Bullies."

The Kalihi Uka Elementary student has friends in middle school, she said, and they have warned her about some intimidating peers.

Meanwhile, Kalihi Uka fifth-grader Edwin Agno has no trepidations about the transition.

"I got no worries. I’m pretty brave," he said, puffing out his chest.

Taylor Iwanaka, a fifth-grader at Scott Elementary in Aiea, is looking forward to new classes and challenges in middle school. She wants to join the robotics club, she said, because she likes building things.

"I’m excited," she added, "because I can make new friends."