Shaler Area High School students are creating memories for youth around the world who otherwise would have few childhood mementos through The Memory Project.

The Memory Project started in 2004 as a way to give children who have been neglected, orphaned or disadvantaged in countries around the world a portrait created by an art student.

For the sixth year, Shaler Area High School students in David Boyles’ Art 3 and AP Studio Art courses participated in the project.

In addition to the portraits challenging the high school students’ knowledge of oil painting and portraiture, it also creates a cultural awareness and link to social studies lessons.

“It really enlightens students to cultural awareness and broadens their understanding … of how blessed we are in this country,” said Mr. Boyles.

Over the years, Shaler Area students have sent their portraits to children in Africa, India, Indonesia and Central America. This year, 20 students created 20 portraits to be sent to orphans in India.

The Shaler Area students’ involvement in The Memory Project has contributed to the organization’s totals of delivering more than 60,000 portraits for children in 35 countries.