2026 Lucy T. Shoham Memorial Scholarship Recipients
IOHSK Announces the 2026 Lucy T. Shoham Memorial Scholarship Recipients
Reported on April 18, 2026, 3:40 am
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
The International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) is proud to announce the two recipients of the 2026 Lucy T. Shoham Memorial Scholarships, generously funded by Mrs. Randi E. McKenzie, Emerita Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at San Diego State University, and Dr. Thomas L. McKenzie, Professor Emeritus at San Diego State University and Lifetime Honorary President of IOHSK.
These merit-based scholarships recognize higher education students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and whose work reflects the mission and goals of IOHSK. Established in 2023 and organized and administered by Dr. Hosung So, President and CEO of IOHSK and Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at California State University, San Bernardino, the scholarship honors the memory of Lucy T. Shoham, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 100. She was the mother of Randi (Shoham) McKenzie and the mother-in-law of Thomas L. McKenzie.
IOHSK is pleased to recognize the following recipients of the 2026 Lucy T. Shoham Memorial Scholarships:
Ms. Elena-Bianca Boca, Graduate Student, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Ovidius University of Constanța, Romania
Recommended by Dr. Gabriela TomescuMr. Alijan Akmad, Third-Year Undergraduate Student, Department of Physical Education, University of Southern Mindanao, Philippines
Recommended by Dr. Ruben L. Tagare
One of this year’s recipients, Elena-Bianca Boca of Romania, shared a deeply personal reflection on her academic journey, artistic accomplishments, and the inspiration behind her continued pursuit of excellence.
Over the past two years, Ms. Boca has earned several academic and artistic distinctions that reflect her dedication to both scholarly work and performance-based activities. In May 2025, she received Third Place at the International Student Scientific Conference at Ovidius University of Constanța for presenting original research, demonstrating strong analytical and academic abilities.
During the same year, she also earned First Place in K-pop Dance Cover Competitions held in Bucharest, Romania, and Thessaloniki, Greece, highlighting her creativity, discipline, and commitment to artistic excellence. In addition, she was awarded Second Place at the ULBS Cup “Dance and Gymnastics” in Sibiu in the Urban Dance category. In 2024, she represented her university at the National University Festival of Aerobic Gymnastics & Dance – Polidansefest “Gineta Stoenescu,” further strengthening her artistic and academic development.
Reflecting on the significance of the scholarship, Ms. Boca explained that the award represents an important opportunity to advance both her academic and artistic goals. She noted that participation in international events, conferences, and cultural programs is essential to her growth, yet the financial burden of travel, accommodation, and registration often limits access to such opportunities. She emphasized that this scholarship will provide meaningful support, allowing her to represent her university with professionalism and dedication while continuing to build a strong foundation for her future career.
Ms. Boca also shared a heartfelt tribute to the person who has most profoundly shaped her life—her mother. She described her mother as the foundation of her strength, the guiding voice throughout every stage of her life, and the heart of her family. She reflected on her mother’s unconditional love, resilience, and selfless sacrifices, noting that even while facing personal struggles, her mother consistently provided encouragement, care, and emotional support.
According to Ms. Boca, witnessing her mother’s quiet determination taught her one of life’s most important lessons: that true strength is not always found in perfection, but in perseverance, compassion, and the ability to continue showing up for others despite hardship. She credited her mother with shaping her confidence, empathy, and understanding of the world, describing her as a role model, emotional anchor, and enduring source of inspiration.
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Mr. Alijan Akmad of the Philippines has also distinguished himself through both academic and athletic excellence. A third-year Bachelor of Physical Education student at the University of Southern Mindanao and a dedicated student-athlete specializing in Karate, Mr. Akmad has earned the College Academic Award during the first semester of Academic Year 2023–2024 and during the first and second semesters of Academic Year 2024–2025. In addition, he achieved distinction as a Bronze Medalist at the MASTS Games 2025, held in Oroquieta, Misamis Occidental. These accomplishments reflect his discipline, perseverance, and commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics.
In his scholarship statement, Mr. Akmad shared that receiving the Lucy T. Shoham Memorial Scholarship would greatly help ease the financial challenges associated with his education, including academic and daily living expenses. He emphasized that such support would allow him to focus more fully on his studies and athletic development while continuing to pursue success not only for himself, but also for his family and community.
Mr. Akmad also offered a moving reflection on the person who has most influenced his life—his mother. He described her as the foundation of who he is today, noting that she has continually shaped his values, guided his decisions, and inspired him to pursue his dreams despite life’s many challenges. To him, she represents unconditional love, strength, sacrifice, and resilience—qualities he strives to embody each day as a student, athlete, and son.
He reflected on his mother’s tireless efforts to provide for their family, often placing the needs of others before her own. Through her quiet sacrifices, he learned the true meaning of responsibility, patience, and selflessness. Mr. Akmad also credited his mother as his first teacher in life, instilling in him values such as respect, humility, discipline, and kindness—principles that have guided him throughout his academic and athletic journey.
As a student-athlete, Mr. Akmad acknowledged the challenges of balancing academics and sports, but noted that his mother has remained his constant source of encouragement. She has celebrated his achievements, reminded him that success is measured not only by awards but also by effort, growth, and character, and supported him through every step of his journey. He shared that when he became a bronze medalist in the MASTS Games, he viewed the achievement not as his alone, but as a reflection of his mother’s unwavering support and sacrifices.
More than anything, Mr. Akmad described his mother as his greatest inspiration—his source of strength in times of weakness, light in times of uncertainty, and home in a world full of challenges. He expressed his desire to make her proud by completing his studies, achieving his goals, and building a better future for his family.
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The International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology extends its warmest congratulations to Ms. Elena-Bianca Boca and Mr. Alijan Akmad on receiving the 2026 Lucy T. Shoham Memorial Scholarships. IOHSK also expresses its sincere appreciation to Mrs. Randi E. McKenzie and Dr. Thomas L. McKenzie for their generous support of student achievement and academic excellence through this meaningful scholarship program.
With great excitement, IOHSK announces that the Scholarship Award Ceremony will be held July 22–24, 2026, during the 9th IOHSK International Conference at Chung-Ang University in Seoul, South Korea. Each recipient will be honored with an official scholarship certificate and a $500 scholarship award, recognizing their outstanding academic achievement and promising future contributions to the field.
