Teen Mustangs Against Meth

Twenty-two students from across the state have been named to the 2014-2015 Hawaii Meth Project Teen Advisory Council, including Kalaheo High School’s Michael-Logan Jordan and Lauren Nahele. Photo from Hawaii Meth Project.

Methamphetamine has been Hawaii’s No. 1 drug problem for decades, and in the past five years Hawaii Meth Project and its Teen Advisory Council have tried to change that via public awareness campaigns and community outreach.

Among the students inducted into the 2014-2015 council are two Kalaheo High School teens. Sophomore Michael-Logan Jordan and junior Lauren Nahele represent the Mustangs on the 22-member council, and they’re both eager to help spread the message.

“We learn about the dangers of meth in our classes and projects in middle and high school, but nothing drives the message of ‘Not Even Once’ home more than listening to a recovering meth addict speak about how they have struggled to overcome the powerful grip that meth can have,” Nahele stated on HMP’s official online site.

Jordan noted that he was inspired in part by Kalaheo High alumna Hannah Carnes and her work on raising meth awareness.

Also endorsed by the council is the annual “Break the Ice” visual art contest designed to carry the message to grades 7-12. “We are excited to support this contest,” said fellow TAC member Mari Domingo of Mililani High. “It is aligned with our efforts to promote healthy and educational activities among our peers.” Several cash prizes are at stake for the best original entries. Deadline is Oct. 20, and details are at hawaiimethproject.org.

HMP was founded in 2009, and is one of six state affiliates of The Meth Project, a nationwide program dedicated to reducing methamphetamine use.