Category: News

Arts and Culture, News, Student Life

The Legion of Honor

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by Lydia I. Martinov

Do you love art? Well be sure to visit the Legion of Honor museum in San Francisco, CA. It is filled with stunning pieces of art that are sure to catch your eye.

Artists in need of inspiration can treat themselves, and their families, to a field trip at the Legion of Honor. From paintings to sculptures, and even Faberge eggs, this stunning museum is a place to remember. Each gallery includes beautiful artwork with distinct techniques.

Some of the most beautiful artworks in the Legion of Honor are tapestries. They are huge, woven pictures. One example is the Triumph of Justice from the Triumph of the Seven Virtues series. It is woven from wool.

Triumph of Justice
Photo by Lydia Matinov

Another stunning piece of art to look out for if you visit is “The Russian Bride’s Attire”.

It was painted by Konstantin Makovsky in the late 1800’s. The painting depicts a woman getting ready for her wedding, and is unhappy about it. She knows that it will end up a loveless marriage, and the man she will marry is significantly older. This true masterpiece shows great emotion. If you find yourself at the Legion of Honor, be sure to just sit down for a few minutes, and take a nice long look at “The Russian Bride’s Attire” to take in the wonderful detail.

The Russian Bride’s Attire
Photo by Lydia Martinov

Right in front of the Legion is the “Holocaust Memorial”. If you are driving by, then make sure you check it out. It is a sculpture of a concentration camp from the Holocaust. It is free to look at, and very interesting to see. 

The Legion of Honor actually has a pretty cool history. It was founded (or for those of you who love fancy words: established) by Alma de Bretteville Spreckels and her husband, Adolph B. Spreckels in 1924. That was 99 years ago. 2024 will be the 100th birthday of the Legion! That will be quite a grand event. Anyways, all those years ago, this incredible museum was a gift to San Francisco. That is a pretty big gift. Today, it’s one of the greatest treasures in San Francisco. For Alma de Bretteville and Adolph B. Spreckels, that is a very cool way to be remembered. The Legion of Honor’s “grand opening” was on November 11, 1924 (Armistice day). It was dedicated to the Californians of World War I. 

The Legion of Honor is an incredibly fascinating place. For those who want to see the unusual artwork, and be flabbergasted by the Legion’s beauty, it is encouraged that they visit.

The Legion of Honor
Photo by Lydia Martinov

Arts and Culture, Home, News

The History of Halloween

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by Aleena Haimor

Boo! It’s that time of year again: Halloween! Halloween is one of my favorite days of the year. It’s a lot of fun to dress up, eat candy and have fun with your friends. This year, I’ll be dressing up as Sophie Foster from Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger. What about you?                 

Photo by The Old Farmers Almanac

Halloween has an incredible history. It all started with a Celtic festival called Samhain (pronounced Sah-win). The Celtics believed that at the end of Summer (when Samhain happened), the ghosts of the dead came back to Earth.

Scared of the haunting spirits, the Celtics would dress up in scary costumes to ward off the ghosts. They would light bonfires, and wear costumes for protection. In the 700s (8th Century AD), All Saints Day was declared by Pope Gregory lll. On November 1st, everyone would honor saints.  

The day before All Saints’ Day was called All Hallows Eve. This name was chosen, because All Saints Day was also known as All Hallows Day. The night before, or the “eve” before, was called All Hallows Eve.

Photo by Crystal Canvas Art Designs

Nowadays, kids dress up in all kinds of fun costumes and go from door to door, shouting “Trick-or-Treat!” all night long. This Halloween, let’s all get ready to have some fun.

Happy Halloween!

Photo by Peapx
Arts and Culture, News, Student Life

May The 4th Be With You!

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by Aleena Haimor

May the 4th be with you! Today, May 4th, is the official, annual Star Wars day! Star Wars is a popular movie series, and, personally, one of my favorites. There are three movie trilogies: The original, the prequel and the sequel.

Here are synopses of the three trilogies:

1. The Original Trilogy

The original trilogy follows the story of young Luke Skywalker, his twin, Leia Organa, and a scoundrel, Han Solo. Obi-Wan Kenobi, a Jedi Master, tells Luke about his destiny. Luke and Leia’s father, Darth Vader, became an evil Sith Lord when he was drawn to the dark side of the force. The trilogy is about how Luke finds his place, and finding out that Leia is his twin, telling her she was gifted with the force.

2. The Prequel Trilogy

The prequel trilogy is set before the original trilogy, even though it was released after. It is the tale of how Darth Vader, who was once Anakin Skywalker, became evil. Anakin’s wife, Padme, dies while giving birth to Luke and Leia, and Anakin is blinded by grief. He turns to the whisper of the dark side, trying to keep Padme with him.

3. The Sequel Trilogy

The sequel trilogy takes place after the prequel and original trilogies. Years after the events of the original trilogy, Luke goes into hiding, for he blames himself for Leia and Han’s son Ben, also known as Kylo Ren, turning to the dark side. Rey, a scavenger and the main character, ends up with the Resistance, a small force trying to defend against the First Order, a dark group with evil intentions.

This Star Wars Day, there are many fun things you can do to celebrate all things Star Wars! Here is a short list:

1. STAR WARS MOVIE MARATHON!

Why don’t you take the time to relax with your family, and have a Star Wars movie marathon! You can sit back and relax on the couch, all while enjoying the Star Wars movies!

2. MAKE SOMETHING!

Whether you make, bake or create it, a fun craft goes a long way. Try making a Star Wars Cake or a paper banner. You could even make a diorama and recreate your favorite scenes!

3. DRESS UP!

Third and final, you can simply dress up! No matter if it’s already made or DIY, costumes help to show your spirit. Try doing your hair like a character, or using a black sheet as Darth Vader’s cape!

These are all great options for celebrating Star Wars Day! I hope you take some of these suggestions to make your day amazing! Remember, you don’t have to be a certain age to love these movies, because they’re for everyone! Happy Star Wars Day, and May the 4th be With You. Always!

Arts and Culture, News, Student Life

Springtime Art Challenge – Results! –

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by Olive Pea

We are already halfway through spring! There are so many colorful flowers in bloom. In fact, there are so many flowers in bloom that this spring was officially announced to be a Super Bloom, the first Super Bloom since 2019. So many flowers! It is starting to feel a little bit like summer already! Before we fully get into summer though, it is predicted that we are still going to get a few more “spring showers” in the near future. All the better for the flowers! Speaking of flowers…

Two months ago we gave you a spring themed art challenge! The challenge was to draw, paint, sketch, etc. a flower of your choosing. We received (3) submissions! (Also a few from our staff). Here they are:

Jordan Olson, age 6

Won the title: The Happiest
Won the title: Most Creative

Maria K., age 10

Won the title: Most Colorful

Thank you all for sharing such wonderful artwork with us! We really appreciate you and your talent.

Here is some art made by a few people on our staff:

by Olive Pea
by Liam Pea
by Meru S.
by Lydia I. Matinov

This is the last official publishing of the Lighthouse, although we will be covering two future events that land just out of our last publication. These events are the Teen Formal (May 6th) and the Promotion and Graduation Ceremony (May 24th). Even though we do not publish through the summer, you can still reach out to us thelighthousetve@gmail.com if you are interested in joining our team. You can also ask us questions right from the home page.

News, Student Life

Upcoming Teen Formal 2023 – Tropical Paradise

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by Ava Salado

It’s that time of year again! Prom season! A very common misconception about homeschoolers is that we don’t have proms or formals, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Every year, TVE hosts its annual Teen Formal! If you are a homeschool student, aged 12 to 19, then you are formally, cordially, and sincerely invited to this year’s event. If desired, each student may invite a homeschooled or non-homeschooled guest. But this event is unlike your other ‘proms’, students do not need to come with a ‘special someone’.  Many guests will be coming alone or with a group of friends. This is not a ‘date night,’ but instead, a celebration of friendship, the school year, and our homeschool community! (But, of course, if there is a ‘special someone’ we do not discourage shooting your shot) and welcome guests.

The Event Planning Committee is proud to announce that this year’s theme is Tropical Paradise. 

Photo made by Nicole P.

We ask that you “Dress to Impress” with fancy attire or your best threads, but dressing to the theme is not required. (No bathing suits, trunks, snorkel gear, etc.) Clothing should be appropriately fitted and modest. This is your chance to ‘strut your style’. Although these are the comfiest options, no jeans, shorts, sweats, or t-shirts.

Got a favorite jam? Awesome, (we do too) you may request up to two dance songs. Please include song title and artist. This doesn’t guarantee placement on the playlist, but we will try to accommodate all requests. But don’t worry, the absolute, classic dance-tunes will always make their way onto TVEs playlist. You can submit your song(s) request on the ‘Registration Form‘ of the Formal. No explicit lyrics, please.

Here are all the details:

Date: May 6, 2023           

Time: 7pm – 10pm

Location: San Ramon, CA.  (full location and address can be found on the TVE facebook page.)

Age: 12-19

$40 per teen

Refunds:

100% before April 7th,

50% between April 7th and April 21st.

No refunds after April 21st. 

Fun time: Assured

Smiles: Required

The guest must be registered to attend and purchase their own ticket. Go to the TVE Facebook page for the registration form and for more information. Make sure you read the form carefully with your teen(s) and any guest. 

You can contact TVE Leadership with any questions here: tve.membership@gmail.com 

We hope to see you in Tropical Paradise!

 

Arts and Culture, Home, News, Student Life

Ramadan and Eid-Ul-Fitr

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by Aleena Haimor

Before you read this, here is a glossary of Arabic words:

It’s time for Ramadan! This is the holiest month for Muslims because it is a time to reflect and be conscious of our actions through fasting, prayer, charity, and remembrance of Allah (Arabic for God). My family does so many things around this time of year. Fasting, or sawm, is one of the five pillars of Islam, which are mandatory actions that Muslims must follow. You can see more about fasting below. The word Ramadan means “The Holy Month” in Arabic. Muslims follow the Lunar calendar which does not align with the Gregorian calendar. Because of this, Ramadan does not start on on the same day every year, but instead slips back ten days every year. Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the year, and at the end of it, we have a huge celebration called Eid-ul-Fitr (Festival of Breaking Fast)! Here are some of the things we do:

1. During the holy month of Ramadan, we fast during the day.

Basically, we have a pre-dawn meal, called suhoor, before the sun comes up. This year, we wake up around 4:30am. After our meal, we perform the first prayer of the day, the morning prayers, and then we go back to sleep. To us, sawm means no food OR water during the day, and it helps us learn self-control. When the sun goes down, around 7:30pm, we break our fast with a date, water and a meal. Afterwards, we pray the fourth prayer of the day, the sunset prayer. Fasting helps us connect with Allah and by not worrying about meals, we can reflect on those that are less fortunate than us, as well as gratefulness for what we do have.

2. We do special nightly prayers, called Taraweeh.

One of the five pillars of Islam is praying five times a day, but during Ramadan, there is a special evening prayer performed every single night, called Taraweeh which starts around 9:30pm and lasts about two hours! This is not obligatory, but we gain so much reward from Allah for performing them. They are held at the mosque (our holy place of worship), and hundreds, if not thousands, of worshippers congregate and pray together. Last year I was able to pray with my friend, and this year I was able to join my mom and sister!

3. We decorate!

Photo Courtesy of Aleena Haimor

You know how they always bring out trees and lights for Christmas? Well, we do similar things for Ramadan and Eid! We set up lots of pretty lights, and put out our favorite Islamic story books. We bring out a garland that says ‘Ramadan’ and change it out to one that says ‘Eid Mubarak’ when the time comes. Adults gift children money, called Eidi. My family personally decorates not just for Eid, but for Ramadan, too!

4. Good Deeds and Charity.

Photo Courtesy of Aleena Haimor

In Ramadan, we gain more rewards for all of the good deeds and charity that we do. Some examples of good deeds are volunteering, picking up litter, visiting the sick, being generous, feeding others, being kind to others, even smiling at someone else is considered a good deed! Charity falls under good deeds as well. We are asked to give whatever we can to the poor and needy. For Eid, each Muslim family must give Zakat-ul-Fitr, about $15 for each member of your immediate family. Zakat-up-Fitr goes to help the poor and the needy, to give them the ability to buy necessities they need to survive.

Ramadan began during the time of our last Prophet, Muhammad. The Quran (our holy book) was revealed to him during this month. We believe that through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel), Allah commanded that Muhammad and his followers fast for the entire month of Ramadan. It was revealed in Makkah and Medina. Over 23 years, 114 surahs, or 6,348 ayat, were revealed.             

Photo Courtesy of Said Haimor, my
Jidu

Did you know that there are actually two Eids? One is at the end of Ramadan (Eid-ul-Fitr), and the other is later in the year (Eid-ul-Adha). Eid-ul-Fitr usually takes place at a mosque, and after prayers, we play games and have fun! 

Ramadan Kareem, and Eid Mubarak!!!

Here’s my Teta’s recipe for a special treat, Ka’ak. It’s a cookie that we make often during
Ramadan!