#LiveLikeLyly Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Against The Grain Productions
Introduction
In 2015 ATG established the #LiveLikeLyly Memorial Scholarship to honor Lyly Koenig Mendez and to support emerging students in fashion and graphic design. This tribute recognizes Lyly’s creativity, community spirit, and commitment to the arts by assisting deserving Asian American students pursuing those fields.
About Lyly Koenig Mendez
Lyly was one of the children brought to the United States through Operation Babylift, a story featured in ATG’s documentary Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam. Raised in Festus, Missouri, she graduated from Crystal City High School in 1993 and went on to earn degrees from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and Miami International University of Art and Design. Lyly worked in television and film production and built a career as a talented graphic and fashion designer; her designs were included in ATG’s 2010 Fashion for a Passion. In the 1990s she cheered for the St. Louis Rams and later for the San Diego Chargers (2000–2001). After an eight-year battle with breast cancer, Lyly passed away near Houston, Texas on January 20, 2015, at age 40. Her joy, humor, creativity, compassion, and dedication to family and friends inspired this memorial scholarship and the movement to #LiveLikeLyly.
Scholarship Overview
- Purpose: To provide financial support and visibility for Asian American students majoring in fashion and/or graphic design.
- Award: One scholarship of $1,000, to be applied toward tuition and fees.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be at least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander by heritage.
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident.
- Be either a high school senior or a college student. College applicants must be currently enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. vocational school, community/junior college, or four-year university. By the upcoming academic year, applicants must be full-time, degree-seeking students (associate, bachelor’s, or master’s) majoring in fashion or graphic design.
- Demonstrate leadership through involvement in community service, extracurricular activities, or similar pursuits.
- Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted).
- Note: Relatives of ATG Board members are not eligible.
How Recipients Are Chosen
Recipients are selected using a point-based evaluation across five areas. The applicant with the highest total score will be awarded the scholarship. Evaluation categories:
- Quality of submission materials (essay and/or artistic portfolio)
- Academic achievement
- Leadership and community service contributions
- Strength of letters of recommendation
- Phone or in-person interview with the selection committee
Award Payment and Winner Requirements
Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the recipient’s educational institution and credited in the student’s name. Scholarship recipients will also be asked to produce a brief (approximately 1-minute) “thank you” video that may be shared on ATG’s social media channels.