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MISSOULA - Montana is again launching a successful program to help address methamphetamine use in the state. In 2006, Paint the State became the largest public art contest in history.

The Montana Meth Project selected Big Sky High School senior Emily Dean to be on their 20-member Youth Advisory Council. Her first duty included standing up in front of her school Thursday to kick off the campaign that asks students to communicate the dangers of meth through art.

"It integrates something fun and lighthearted with a serious, serious topic," Dean said. "We always see the commercials on TV and the billboards and I think they're very effective, but Paint the State involves the students more and it give them something to be a part of and to make their mark on helping the state reduce meth use."

Montana secretary of state Linda McCulloch and attorney general Steve Bullock spoke at the assembly, encouraging the students to join the project.

"We need to continue to fight meth. We need to continue to fight all drug abuse in our state and you, the young folks here, you're the point of that spear," Bullock said. "You're the ones that'll ultimately make a real difference in your community."

"We have educators that're doing their part," McCulloch said. "We have law enforcement, we have legislators, the governor. With everyone doing their part, how small it is, how big it is, we really do have an effect on meth use in Montana."

Paint the State will reach every county in Montana, making sure all students have a chance to join the conversation about meth.

"This is a really, really great project and I'd like to see the whole state involved and something to bring all the schools and the communities in the entire state together," Dean said.

The Paint the State contest isn't limited to painting. Students can submit any kind of art including sculptures, photography and video. Judges will select top winners from each county and will give $1,500 to the best entry in the state.