Kapolei Middle Students Dominate Meth Project Art Contest
A panel of judges recently finished sifting through a large stack of submissions from throughout the state for Hawaii Meth Project’s Break the Ice art contest, and two Kapolei Middle School students came out on top.
Eighth-grader Johnson Campos took first place in the traditional/digital art category for his piece, “Not a Pretty Picture,” while eighth-grader Rachelle Lariba won third place in the same category for her piece, “This is Normal.” Their submissions were among 60 entries from middle and high school students on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island. For their work, Campos and Lariba have received $300 and $50, respectively.
“The artistic talent and commitment to meth prevention that our local teens display truly shine through in the entries that we received in this year’s ‘Break the Ice’ art contest,” said Hawaii Meth Project executive director, David Earles. “It is so important that youths have a creative outlet to express themselves, and we feel that this art contest does just that. This contest empowers youths and allows them to become powerful advocates for the Hawaii Meth Project’s ‘Not Even Once’ message.”
More area students also received honorable mention for their artwork, including Nicole Jane Tagalicud, a sophomore at Kapolei High School, for her piece “Break the Ice” in the traditional/digital art category. Tagalicud also received an honorable mention in the sticker design category for “Don’t Even Think About It!” Also joining her for an honorable mention in this category is Vincent Bercasio, a sophomore at Pearl City High School, for “Not Even Once.”
These pieces and other artwork from the contest will be on view at the Hawaii State Capitol Chamber Level Foyer from Jan. 6 to Feb. 28 before coming to Kapolei Hale during the month of April.
For more information about Hawaii Meth Project, visit HawaiiMethProject.org.
