by Don Laird, contributing writer February is the shortest month on our calendars. However, psychologically it is also the longest month – especially in the shadow of a continuing pandemic. Leafless trees, barren landscapes, minimal sunlight, a low cloud ceiling …
It wasn’t even officially winter yet, and there I was, stuck in a little motel waiting out the snowstorm with a lot of truckers. This was not how I’d planned to spend my Sunday night. After a weekend with friends …
by Sheila Hyland, Operations Manager, and Patrice Lee, Administrative Coordinator Patrice Lee brings her focus and passion for education, goal setting, and youth development to Luminari. She has spent the better part of her life engaged in the education process …
by Aaron Zvirman, contributing writer Pittsburgh, we have a problem. According to some folks on the Internet, the city of Pittsburgh has “the ugliest accent in America.” Or, at least those who voted in a 2014 contest on the …
Calling all teens, we have a fantastic opportunity for you! Our annual Award competition is accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year. The Luminari Award is a merit-based scholarship competition for area students who are in grades 7 through 11. We will …
by Don Laird, contributing writer Polarization in our country is increasing. We are all frustrated, at times angry, with family, co-workers, neighbors, life-long friends, and complete strangers over masking and vaccines. This discord is quickly dividing our nation into distinct …
by Gina Catanzarite, Director, Teen Writer! I am probably one of the last persons on the planet who still subscribes to magazines. I delight when one turns up in my mailbox although, admittedly, over the years those periodicals have become …
by Beth Dolinar, Contributing writer Months after retreating to my writing cave, I finally emerged. It felt like I was walking into the sunlight after a long and dark winter. The cave is really just my office, a smallish …
by Beth Kurtz Taylor, Camp Delicious Co-Director Many teens have grown up watching cooking shows enticing them to experiment in the kitchen. From Gordon Ramsey to Cupcake Wars they witness food as a competitive event. With a group of eager …
by Heleyna Pentuk, 2021 Ambassador Alumna The summer of 2021, I was given the immense opportunity to be a part of the Luminari camp “I Want To Be An Ambassador!” I heard of the camp through my aunt, Beth Dolinar, …
