MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – On Thursday, local high school students gained profound insight into the devastating impact of addiction through an emotionally moving exhibit designed to honor, educate, and encourage dialogue about substance abuse.
Exhibit Brings Stories to Life
The “Into The Light” project, organized by the Drug Education Council, was displayed at the Gulfquest Maritime Museum downtown. The traveling exhibit features hand-drawn portraits and deeply personal stories of individuals lost to drug overdose. Students walked through the exhibit, listening and learning from people directly impacted by addiction’s grip on families and communities.
Powerful Voices Share Personal Stories
Among the speakers was American Idol contestant Tristan Harper, a McIntosh, Alabama native who placed fifth on the show in 2024. Harper shared his personal journey and spoke about his own loved ones who have battled addiction.
“It hurts to see people you love not here with you—or in rehab or jail because of it,” Harper said. “You want the best for them. You want them to know there’s a way out.”
Jacy Warner, who lost her brother to a fentanyl overdose in 2022, also addressed the students, sharing her family’s story in hopes of making a lasting impact on the young people in attendance…