Category: Uncategorized

Giving My Word

by Dana Wineland O’Rourke, contributing writer I’m old enough to remember being in awe of switching out my slide rule for a calculator, so keeping up with smart devices and technology is both intimidating and surprising. While I’ve been aware …

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A Parent’s Journey

by Beth Dolinar, contributing writer My water bill will be higher this month. I’m reminded of this as I maneuver around an extra basket on the laundry room floor. It’s overflowing with the clothing my daughter brings every time she …

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The Dream Store

by Avi Rosen, contributing writer It was a quiet day at the store, which was lodged between the grocery and a new cafe. The scent inside was a subtle one, a faint aroma of tin and pine. The store itself …

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2025 Teen Ambassadors

Reflections from the 2025 I Want to be an Ambassador! Camp The final day of camp is always bittersweet, but if you were at our closing ceremony, you know the room was brimming with pride and hope for the future. …

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Telling Stories and Empowering Youth

Q&A with Luminari Intern Elizabeth Nielsen by Luminari Team For Elizabeth Nielsen, stepping into the Operations Intern role at Luminari isn’t just another summer job—it’s the next chapter in her lifelong passion for storytelling, creativity, and community. A junior at …

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A Lifetime in the Bleachers

Cheering Through Generations by Dana Wineland O’Rourke, contributing writer “Daddy!” he yelled, recognizing the tall tussle-haired man among the dozen warming up in uniforms for their softball game. His daddy waved back as I took our two-year-old son Timmy’s hand …

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Lost in Flight

The Anxiety of Losing a Phone Mid-Air by Beth Dolinar, contributing writer The scary moments came mid-flight from Pittsburgh to New York, and it had nothing to do with turbulence. Reaching under the seat in front of me for my …

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Striking the Right Chord

Tyler Pipon’s Journey with MusicMakers! by Tom Berich, Operations Manager In a recent conversation, Tom Berich, Operations Manager for Luminari, sat down with Tyler Pipon, a talented student from Franklin Regional High School, nestled just outside Pittsburgh. Tyler had the …

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A Life-Changing Summer: How One Camp Shaped a Future Diplomat

by Tom Berich, Operations Manager Recently, Tom Berich, Operations Manager for Luminari sat and talked with Anisten Jackson, a senior at North Gate High school in Pittsburgh. Anisten had the opportunity to attend the I Want To Be An Ambassador …

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Celebrating our 2025 Luminari Award Scholars: Mira and Mariana 

by Luminari staff Luminari is thrilled to announce the winners of its esteemed 2025 Luminari Awards, an annual essay competition that celebrates the spirit of diplomacy by awarding scholarships, each valued at over $1,200, to two outstanding students to attend …

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