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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
A Life-Changing Summer: How One Camp Shaped a Future Diplomat Read More »
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 …
Celebrating our 2025 Luminari Award Scholars: Mira and Mariana Read More »
by Margot Callahan, Contributing Writer Just like a lot of young adults, (and likely you) I picked a college and a major when I was 17 years old. Clarion State College, now PennWest Clarion, had a good communication program – …
by Elenora Morris, contributing writer The way I see it, there are two ways to approach dancing: outside-in, and inside-out. As a trained ballerina, I learned the outside-in way: here are the five positions, here is the correct shape for …
by Dana Wineland O’Rourke, contributing writer I selected a large, easy-to-read font, numbered the pages, and tucked them in a black folder that I held tightly while walking up the church steps. The elderly pastor, known for his wisdom and …
by Dana Wineland O’Rourke, contributing writer My husband Tim and I never managed to get a good parking space in the hospital lot, and that hot August day in 2015 was no exception. Both of us were hustling to get …
