We established Luc’s Light to make beauty from broken. 

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On theater stages around the world there is a light. A light that’s placed on the stage after the curtain closes and the performers and audience members have gone home. This light continues to illuminate an otherwise dark auditorium. It guides people with the ambition and courage to take the stage; and it keeps them safe from the edge.

Luciano Clayton Schincariol (Luc) was a 2021 honors graduate of Paw Paw High School. He was liked and respected by his peers and teachers. A studious and talented creative writer; Luc would go on to earn the English Department Student of The Year as a senior. He was a kind and considerate young man, always willing to help his friends and neighbors as an individual or with groups like the Paw Paw Lions Club Christmas baskets or the Community Thanksgiving Dinner. 

But, what Luc enjoyed most was music. Especially the Bass Guitar. He began lessons at age 14. After two years he had become a uniquely talented musician who continued to improve through hours of consistent practice and experimentation. In high school, Luc played with the Red Arrow Ministries Youth Band and also spent four years with the Paw Paw Jazz Band. He was especially fond of hard driving and quirky rock bassists like Les Claypool (Primus), Maynard James Keenan and Justin Chancellor (Tool) and Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle).  During the quiet days of home isolation in 2020 and 2021; He taught himself the keyboard and became a strong creative writer. Luc enrolled with The College of Arts and Letters at Michigan State University to begin in the fall of 2021. He announced at a scholarship award event that he wanted “to write screenplays and music.” 

Like most 18-year-olds, Luc had pressures and concerns at home, work, friends, and the many new challenges of leaving for college. His generation also has the added stress of isolation from friends, extended family, teachers and traditions for much of two years. Luc was alone the night of June 24th, 2021, when his actions led to serious self-harm. He suffered third degree burns over his entire body. No one knows exactly what Luc was thinking or feeling that evening. But in his confusion and pain; he was miraculously able to get himself to a phone and call for help. 

Luc was not done. He knew there was more to live for. There was more to do. More people to help. More love to share. More light to shine. Unfortunately, his injuries were too severe and he passed away the next day at the hospital surrounded by his family. 

We are Luc’s Light. A Light for teens of Southwest Michigan to come and navigate our world stage in safety amongst a caring cast.

Luc’s Light Youth Music & Arts Foundation continues Luc’s creative nature and helpfulness. A place where students can find themselves and others through art and music. Please help us write Luc’s screenplay. A positive story of creativity, friendship, learning and healthy growth in our community. Let’s make an impact beyond even what he could have imagined.

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Sincerely,

The Schincariol Family and Board of Luc's Light Youth Music & Arts Foundation