Shining Lights Memorial Scholarship (formerly LSSK)

The Lynn Sawchuk-Sharon Kuzbyt (LSSK) Scholarship was established at the 28th Annual UOL Convention in 1975 to perpetuate the memory of two lovely, dynamic young women whose untimely deaths left an indelible mark in the life of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the Ukrainian Orthodox League, and in the personal lives of their families and many friends.

Both Lynn and Sharon were leaders in their communities. Lynn was president of St. Vladimir’s Junior UOL in Philadelphia, PA. Sharon was president of the Holy Ascension Junior UOL in Clifton, New Jersey. Both were active participants in our diocesan camping programs and Junior League convention delegates. Both were extremely active with the Church and the League. This scholarship is awarded annually to Junior UOL members or former members who have exhibited the dedication, energy and scholastic qualities by which these young women are remembered.

At the 78th UOL Convention in 2025, the convention body voted to change the name to the SHINING LIGHTS SCHOLARSHIP to recognize our youth of blessed memory who made an impact. Julian Naumenko was added to the list of those memorialized by this scholarship. Julian was the beloved son of Very Reverend Taras Naumenko and Matushka Laura Naumenko who tragically died at age 19. He was an altar server, an active member of the Ukrainian Orthodox League, and enjoyed his summers attending All Saints Camp beginning at a young age. Julian was a student at Rutgers University-Camden, studying nursing, and was goalkeeper of his university's soccer team, the Scarlet Raptors. His energy, high-character, zest for life, and friendship to so many will be forever remembered.

Recipients of the Shining Lights Memorial Scholarship are selected based upon the following criteria:

a) A Junior UOL member in good standing; a past Junior UOL member enrolled in or about to enter a program of advanced education but not beyond five (5) years from high school graduation.

b) A record of outstanding performance in the service to the Ukrainian Orthodox League and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church;

c) Academic performance in high school.

d) Involvement in extracurricular and civic activities.

e) Be of high ethical and moral character.

An emphasis will always be place on “outstanding performance in the service to the Ukrainian Orthodox League and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church”, and students with only above average grade point average and outstanding contributions to the League and the Church will be considered for the scholarship.

Scholarship applications are due to the Shining Lights Scholarship Chair by May 31st of each year or at a publicized date of their choosing.