On April 25, 2025, Volyn Regional Small Academy of Sciences, together with Faculty of History, Political Science and National Security of Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, held the final of the "My Genealogy" scientific research competition. The purpose of the competition is to popularise history, encourage genealogy, involve young people in scientific activities, and develop skills for independent scientific research.
The event was attended by acting rector Anatolii Tsos, Chairman of Volyn Regional Council Hryhoriy Nedopad, Dean of the Faculty of History, Political Science and National Security Yaroslav Yarosh, Director of the State Academy of Sciences Tetiana Mykhaliuk, Head of Family and Youth Department of City Council Zaryna Datsyk. The sponsors of the competition were Volyn Regional Council, Department of Youth and Sports of Lutsk City Council, the deputy of Pidhaitsivka Village Council Oleksandr Bliashuk, the “TD “ZAKHID SPETSIYA””LLC , the “Religious Mission “CARITAS-SPES-LUTSK”” RO of Lutsk Diocese, the “VGP” TM Ruta PJSC.
“I congratulate you on the beginning and end of this competition. I emphasize that this competition is very necessary for every child, because everyone should know their pedigree. Such competitions form patriotism and love for the family and our state,” Anatolii Tsos greeted the guests.
This year, 38 lyceum students, gymnasium students, students of vocational and higher pre-professional education institutions of the region became participants in the competition.
“This is a really right and necessary thing. Believe me, by researching our history, the history of our family, we will find many interesting things. We will see how many interesting relatives we have that we didn’t even know about. I thank the organisers for doing such a great job. The competition should be traditional, so we need to instill that patriotism, knowledge of our history,” summarised Hryhorii Nedopad.
The final part of the competition turned into a real panorama of family stories, where each study came to life in a public presentation. These were not just memories of the past, behind them stood entire eras of struggle and trials. In the maelstrom of historical catastrophes (wars, totalitarian regimes, occupations and repressions), Ukrainian families lost, suffered, but each time found the strength to endure. Their resilience and courage now inspire and remain a source of pride for the future generations.
“I hope that you enjoyed preparing these works and learned even better about your past, your grandparents and other relatives. One who does not know their past is not worthy of the future. In modern conditions, we are even more aware of this. We must know our history to prevent the enemy from rewriting it,” – Zarina Datsyk.
According to the results of the competition, the winners were:
Grand Prix – Vitalina Veretynska (10th grade, Buzhankiv Lyceum named after Mykola Korzoniuk, mentor Svitlana Vasilyuk, teacher of the Ukrainian language and literature, director);
1st place:
Maksym Liushuk (7th grade, “Lutsk Gymnasium No. 3” CGSEE, instructor: Maria Zhuravska, Maria Lyushuk);
Bohdana Tsykhovych (1st year, Professional College of Technologies, Business and Law of Lesya Ukrainka National University, instructor Olha Kuzmych);
Oleh Svystun (10th grade, Lutsk Lyceum No. 23, instructor Bohdan Zek).
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