Sunlight streams in and illuminates a color filled world of hexagons and perfect squares, shadow boxes and delicate rosy-pink lamps. Perhaps the most enterprising piece is a stained glass Viking, an artistic nod to the school's mascot. Symmes Valley eighth graders have been busy.

Again this year, each eighth grader has been challenged to blend their math skills with their artistic talent to create a work in stained glass. All of the pieces will be auctioned off Thursday night, the proceeds given to the American Cancer Society. This is the fourth year for the Stained Glass Auction.

"They use geometry, and measure," teacher Becky Bowling said. "We build our own wooden frames. Some of these students have put in 50 hours of work on their project, both in class and during the After School Mall."

Bowling said the education gained from this endeavor extends far beyond academics: these students are learning that they can make a difference in their community by taking part in something that benefits their community.

"Last year we made $8,000," Bowling said. "We've raised $18,000 in the last three years. We're hoping this year will put us over the $25,000 mark. So many students have had family or friends who have had cancer. They're learning math and they're giving back to the community at the same time."

The 35-40 pieces of stained glass art will be on display Thursday beginning at noon. Browsers are invited back at 6:30 p.m. for the auction. Last year's event drew a crowd of 200-300 people.