Pearl City Freshman Places Second In Hawaii Meth Art Contest

Vincent Barcasio's drawing 'Down The Drain' earned him second place in the 'Take'a Stand Against Meth' art contest. Illustration courtesy of Hawaii Meth Project.

The Hawaii Meth Project recently announced the winners of its “Take a Stand Against Meth” art contest, and Pearl City High School freshman Vincent Bercasio took second place with his piece, “Down the Drain.”

The contest was a statewide initiative that utilized art to communicate the risks associated with methamphetamine. Sixty-one teens throughout the state submitted paintings, drawings and photographs.

The Hawaii Meth Project, which facilitated the contest, is a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of crystal meth and reducing its use.

Bercasio’s winning entry depicts a bright future being flushed down the toilet. “Is it worth sending your whole future down the drain?” Bercasio asks in the illustration. For his prize, he received an Apple iPod Touch.

Bercasio stated that he hopes his artwork will show his peers the dangers of meth. He was inspired to raise awareness about the drug after learning about meth through the Hawaii Meth Project.

“I just thought, what a dark place meth sends you to, and how bright a future we can all have if we stay away from this dangerous drug,” he stated.

Other area students also gained recognition in the contest. Honorable mentions for West Oahu students include Desmond Zadlo of Kapolei Middle School for “Mug Shot Match Up” and Nicole Jane Tagalicud of Kapolei High for “Don’t Let Meth Take Over Your Life.”

These entries, along with the other winning works and additional selected pieces, are on display at the Hawaii State Capitol now through March 22. After that, they will be on view at Honolulu Hale from March 25 to April 12.

Artwork also is available for viewing online at methproject.org/action/hawaii/takeastand.html.

For more information about the Hawaii Meth Project, visit MethProject.org.