West Teens Win Meth Project ‘Break The Ice’ Contest Honors
For the third year, nonprofit Hawaii Meth Project hosted its “Break the Ice” art contest, and teens across the state submitted more than 60 entries that depicted the risks associated with meth use.
Kapolei High’s Nicole Jane Tagalicud won first place in traditional and digital art (grades 10-12) for her piece titled “Don’t Give Any Time To Meth,” while Kapolei Middle’s Leanza Toves design, titled “Mirror, Mirror,” won her first place in traditional and digital art in grades 7-9, as well as people’s choice award.
“My inspiration was basically the whole deal with Snow White and how her evil stepmother looks into the mirror and does a rhyme,” says Kapolei Middle student Leanza Toves.
The rhyme she speaks of reads: “Mirror mirror on the wall, my life with meth, show it all.”
Participating teens created paintings, drawings, photographs and digital art pieces that reflect meth’s negative mental, social and physical impacts.
Judges this year were Honolulu Museum of Art executive director Allison Wong, Mrs. Kaneohe 2014 Michele Navarro Ishiki and 16-year-old artist Akira.
“We’re just really impressed with the quality of the work and the effort the teens put into their entries,” said Hawaii Meth Project interim executive director Georgi DeCosta. “We are proud of them for taking a stand on this tough issue and being a leader.”
Designs are displayed at the state Capitol until May 19. All entries can be found on Hawaii Meth’s Facebook page: facebook.com/hawaiimeth-project.
