High school students around Jefferson City have a message to share with the world: Taking drugs is like walking a tightrope without a net.
Students like 17-year-old Clay Loughridge at the Jefferson Center Academic Center had the opportunity Wednesday to take part in the Council for Drug Free Youth (CDFY) mural project. The project has been a year-long endeavor to help create a sense of awareness among youth in local high schools and community members in the war against drugs.
Loughridge said this project means a lot to him simply because of his experience with drug addiction.
For three years, Loughridge was addicted to drugs. He said he was able to kick the habit by isolating himself and talking to counselors about better coping methods.
"Find something you like to do so you can take your mind off of the drugs," Loughridge said.
Other students at the Jefferson City Academic Center shared their sentiments about being a part of a project. They all agreed this was a way to give back to the community that could help anyone who may be fighting drug addiction.
Upon completion, the 8 feet by 20 feet mural will be hung in different locations around town for three months.
Melle Richardson, CDFY project coordinator, is excited about the work students have put into the mural. She said there will be an unveiling in the near future.
To assist the students, local artists Lucia Erickson-Kincheloe and Joyce Nueenswander were contracted by CDFY to help facilitate the project at the local high schools. Both are proud to be a part of the project.
"Taking drugs is risky business," Erickson-Kincheloe said. "I'm very proud of this program because it's really about walking the walk."
Erickson-Kincheloe hopes the mural allows people to stop and think about their actions.
"Drugs are a reality in all kids' lives," said Jennifer Milne, teacher at JCAC. "I'm just happy the kids are working together on this project."
Evan Connor, teacher at JCAC, said the mural project is more than just a project, it's about the service to the community.
"This is something the students can feel empowered about in their own lives because they appreciate being able to give back," Connor said. "This message kind of goes hand-in-hand with what we're trying to do, which is to get the students back on track and get them graduated."
"There is a way out of drug addiction, and you can definitely get help," Angelique Patton, 17, said. "Think of the people that you love the most."