4 Maui Teens to Serve on Advisory to Hawaiʻi Meth Project

Hawaiʻi Meth Project Teen Advisory members for 2015-2016.

By Maui Now Staff

Four high school students from Maui County have been appointed to the Hawaiʻi Meth Project’s 2015-2016 Teen Advisory Council.

Sara Salemi, a senior at King Kekaulike High School, is returning to the Teen Advisory Council for a second year.

“Being a teenager has made me realize both the negative and positive impacts other teens have on their peers. I want positively influence my peers by harnessing the power my generation has to communicate the “Not Even Once” message and encouraging others to say no to meth,” said Salemi in an organization announcement.

Serving their first terms on the Teen Advisory Council are Gabrielle Constantino and Justin Shiffler, both sophomores at Kamehameha Schools Maui, and Nicholas Niimi, a senior at Lānaʻi High and Elementary School.

The Maui students will work with other teens from across the state to lead methamphetamine awareness and prevention efforts, expand peer outreach and build organizational and leadership skills.

This year, a total of 20 student members from five islands have been selected through a competitive application and interview process to serve as ambassadors of the “Not Even Once” message.

Sara Salemi, a senior at King Kekaulike High School, is returning to the Teen Advisory Council for a second year. Serving their first terms on the Teen Advisory Council are Gabrielle Constantino and Justin Shiffler, both sophomores at Kamehameha Schools Maui, and Nicholas Niimi, a senior at Lānaʻi High & Elementary School.

Georgianna DeCosta, executive director of the Hawaiʻi Meth Project said, “Each year we see our student members making outstanding contributions to our prevention efforts and we could not be more proud of their many accomplishments as teen leaders.”

She continued saying, “Each group brings new energy and unique perspective to our outreach and we are so pleased to welcome our new and returning student members who are dedicated to making their communities and schools better.”

This is the sixth year of the Teen Advisory Council, with 11 newly appointed high school students joining nine veteran members who are returning for their second and third terms.

Members of the council will represent the Hawaiʻi Meth Project at community events, organize awareness activities in their schools, and participate in social media outreach projects.