Mililani High School Takes Lead In Meth Awareness Week

Hawaii Meth Project kicked off National Meth Awareness Week last week, with student-led prevention programs across the state. The theme, Cherish, asked students to consider what they value most and how methamphetamines could destroy important parts of their lives.

Mililani High School got the ball rolling Dec. 2 with Meth Awareness Day, which included sign waving in front of the school, and a lunchtime rally that urged students to sign pledges to never use the drug, and to volunteer to help Hawaii Meth Project. A senior class assembly also was held, in which Andre, a Farrington High School graduate, spoke about his addiction to and recovery from the dangerous drug.

“Our main goal is to reach out to as many students as possible, and hopefully impact their perspective on meth and how dangerous it is,” said Teen Advisory Council (TAC) member Mari Domingo, a senior at the school.

The project kicked off with a weeklong social media campaign on the organization’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

On Dec. 1, the organization announced the winners of its “Break the Ice” art contest. Awards of up to $300 were given to the top three submissions in traditional and digital art (grades 7-9 and grades 10-12). “We were pleased with the results of last year’s inaugural Meth Awareness Week, and are proud to continue the momentum in 2014 with a full schedule of events and a strong theme that we trust will inspire our target audience to think more holistically about the dangers of methamphetamine use,” said Hawaii Meth Project’s executive director David Earles. “We hope that this program will continue to open up dialogue about meth prevention and emphasize the benefits of leading a drug-free lifestyle.”