Posted February 2, 2012

"It's nice to be spreading love on Valentine's Day, even from afar." - eighth grader Rebekah DePugh

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate and express love. Shaker Junior High School art teacher Mrs. Mary Lancaster’s students are once again getting a unique experience to do just that.

For the fifth year in a row, her students created Valentine's decorations for the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Albany Medical Center. This year, her class donated 166 creative hearts.

"From year to year, the kids enjoy making the decorations and can see the value in bringing cheer to the patients at Albany Medical Center and their families," Lancaster said. "For these reasons, I continue to do the project each year."

View photo gallery of the students and their valentines

Lancaster says that some students attempt to connect on a personal level by drawing cartoons on their valentine or writing an inspirational message. She recognizes that her students’ main goal is to help ease the patients the time spent in the hospital to whatever extent possible.

"I think this is one of the best projects I have ever done because we're helping kids by making them happy and being creative at the same time," seventh grader Jakob Cansler said.

The hospital often sends pictures of the patients holding their valentines to Mrs. Lancaster. She says this has a wonderful impact on her students.

“It really puts everything in perspective for them,” she said. “To see their valentine in the hands of another child who is battling this terrible disease, it really helps them to see the connection and difference they’re making.”

Perhaps it is best summed up by eighth grader Eden Solomon

"I like showing the patients that they aren't alone. They haven't been forgotten."