Matt Horne works with fellow members of The Friday Night Crew. (Photo courtesy of The Pantry)

MEDIA RELEASE

The Pantry collaborative nonprofit is proud to announce that Matt Horne, a student at Kanu O Ka Aina New Century Public Charter School has been awarded a scholarship from Community Anti-drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) to attend its mid-year training program July 21-25, 2013 in Austin, Texas.

Horne, 14, participated in the Project SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) forum in March, 2013 as a member of The Pantry’s active youth group, the Friday Night Crew.

He introduced Project SAM co-chairmen former U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy and former White House drug policy advisor Dr. Kevin Sabet to community leaders at the event.

At the encouragement of Project SAM organizers, Horne will help with their presentation about Hawaii’s Project SAM to the CADCA assembly during the training program.

He and other youth will also take part in intensive professional training in prevention and capacity-building to bring back and put into action in their community.

Horne will receive a full scholarship to the training programs in Austin, although travel expenses are not included. Fundraising work is underway to assist Horne, and to support additional youth participants and chaperones.

The Pantry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which comprises The Friday Night Crew youth group and community coalition, Waimea Artists’ Guild and Mama’s House Thrift Store.

The Friday Night Crew coalition is a collaboration of youth and adult organizations for the purpose of prevention, mentoring, recovery, community awareness and creative activism.

For additional information, or to make a donation, call Beth Mehau at 887-2289.