High school students often feel ineffective; they feel that they are stuck in between ages and have little ability to change situations and feel useful. Many people feel that drawing ability or talent is a random gift, not an accomplishment that they can use to affect the world. The author, in her class, presents her idea of drawing a portrait of one of the local young people who died in Iraq. As part of the lesson she required students to use their technology skills to research and write to family members of the deceased military members. She asked her students to write and ask for permission, and to request a photograph of the loved one for the project. These art students had realistic goals, they knew they were working hard; they knew they were doing good work; they also knew they were not going to bring great joy to the families who lost a child in war. They just wanted to let the parents know they cared. Since the day the portraits have left the building, the students have moved on to other goals, but the author continues to see a change in them: they are kinder, more aware of current events, and they know they can contribute and make a difference in their world. (Contains 2 online resources.) [This article was produced by Davis Publications, Worcester, MA.]