Luminari Award
The Luminari Award is our annual scholarship competition that takes place between November and February. Please contact lumininari@luminari.org for more information.
Congratulations to our 2026 Luminari Award Winners
Luminari is proud to announce the 2026 Luminari Award recipients, selected through our annual essay competition that anchors the “I Want to be an Ambassador!” summer camp. Open to students in grades 7-11 in south western Pennsylvania, the competition challenges young people to reflect on diplomacy, leadership, and the power of communication in a global society.
This year, two outstanding students, Sayed Tawed Sadat and Zora Rose, have earned this distinction.
Luminari Award ESL Merit Scholar: Sayed Tawed Sadat (Mt. Lebanon School District)
Chosen by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Sayed impressed reviewers with his thoughtful reflection on diplomacy as a tool for peace-building. In his essay, he wrote that diplomacy means “making agreements and finding ways to work together peacefully” and envisioned “a world where people understand each other and solve problems together.”
Luminari Award Merit Scholar: Zora Rose (Pittsburgh CAPA 6–12)
Selected by the Luminari Committee, Zora offered a compelling perspective on diplomacy as an everyday practice rooted in empathy and communication. She wrote that diplomacy is “about communicating with others effectively,” drawing on her experiences in the arts and student leadership. Her essay highlights her commitment to elevating diverse voices and strengthening her school community.
About the Program: Sayed and Zora will join students from across the region in the “I Want to be an Ambassador!” camp, held June 9-17, 2026, in Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. Participants will meet with diplomats, visit embassies, engage in negotiation simulations, and explore real‑world global challenges by gaining tools to foster respect, collaboration, and understanding in their communities.
2026 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Sayed Tawed Sadat (ESL), Mt. Lebanon School District
Zora Rose, Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12
2025 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Mariana Ramirez (ESL), Fox Chapel High School
Mira Frawley, Winchester Thurston Upper School
2024 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Sofiia Lutsiv (ESL), Carlynton School District
Julia Antunes, Mt. Lebanon School District
2023 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Nolvin Buezo Gutierrez (ESL), Avonworth School District
Arshia Zaidi, North Allegheny School District
2022 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Mitantsiky Rakotozafy (ESL), Mt. Lebanon School District
Benjamin Quint, North Allegheny School District
2020/21 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Vanya Fuller (ESL), Bethel Park School District
Anna Oestreich, Norwin School District
2019 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Hend Hamada (ESL), Fox Chapel Area School District
Cara Leonardi, Moon Area School District
2018 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Fakhar Almlook Munaf Mohammed (ESL), Carlynton School District
Owen Chaffin, Home School student, Bethel Park School District
2017 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Jesus Chacin (ESL), Avonworth School District
Kailee Monaghan, Canon-McMillan School District
2016 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Hao Nguyen (ESL), Sto-Rox School District
Emily Smith, Propel Schools
2015 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Vladyslav Makarenko (ESL), Mt. Lebanon School District
Rohit Nandakumar, Fox Chapel Area School District
2014 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Jacob Clark, West Jefferson Hills School District
Zyaire Fisher, Propel Schools
Kaylee Gross, Chartiers Valley School District
David Han, Fox Chapel Area School District
Sydney Reyes, Riverview School District
2013 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Sophie Belch, Riverview School District
Nathan Bindseil, Central Catholic, Diocese of Pittsburgh
Abigail Eberts, Moon Area School District
Shannon Kim, Fox Chapel Area School District
Troy Miles, Propel Schools
2012 Luminari Award Merit Scholars
Rohan Chalasani, Fox Chapel Area School District
Nicolas May, Chartiers Valley School District
Malaysia Meador, Propel Schools
Brandon Quinn, Central Catholic, Diocese of Pittsburgh
