Luminari warmly welcomes Heather Schirra to our team! Heather, an experienced Special Education Teacher, brings years of experience from diverse special education settings. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special and Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Assessment from Clarion …
by Dana Wineland O’Rouke, contributing writer Female rivalry happens when a woman uses her power to keep another woman down, mistreats her, or competes unfairly with her. Opposition, envy, and betrayal are ugly. I’m a fairly confident person who never …
Apply today for the 2024 Luminari Award Scholarship Contest Do you want to learn more about the world and how to make a positive difference in it? Do you enjoy writing and expressing your ideas? If you are a high …
by Beth Dolinar, contributing writer E-minor is my favorite. Most people learning to play guitar will agree that Em is their favorite—probably because it’s two fingers on two strings close together. It’s easy to get to, it’s fairly common in …
by Dana Wineland O’Rouke, contributing writer Bayberry candles, cut-out cookies, and Christmas cards have been a tradition in our home since we married forty-five years ago. While I addressed as many Christmas cards this year as last, our mailbox, and …
A musical journey of loss, grief and hope By Brett McCutcheon A young local composer and a 2023 instructor for Luminari’s Music Makers! camp, Brett McCutcheon, unveiled his deeply moving project, “The Ocean – five years” on September 30, 2023. …
by Beth Dolinar, contributing writer While poking through my guest room closet looking for Thanksgiving decorations, I came across a small green wooden box. Its hinges were rusted and a scrape gouged a streak across the lid. Sitting there on …
If you are a high school student in the Pittsburgh area who is interested in diplomacy, cultural awareness, global affairs, government relations or community service, we encourage you to apply for the Luminari Award today. Our merit-based award is open …
by Dana Wineland O’Rouke, contributing writer Stories can teach, entertain, and more importantly, allow your legacy to live on. I’m humbled to share that my stories opened the door to address a large group of people during a Morning of …
Pescatarians — Vegans — Vegetarians — you can survive the holidays! Is it hopeless being a vegetarian or vegan over the holidays? No. Can it be somewhat difficult? At times, yes, especially if you are a vegan, which has greater …
