#LiveLikeLyly Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Against The Grain Productions
Introductory Background
In 2015, ATG established the #LiveLikeLyly Memorial Scholarship to honor Lyly Koenig Mendez, a cherished member of the ATG community and an inspiring creative talent. This memorial award supports emerging students in fashion and graphic design as a tribute to Lyly’s spirit and commitment to the arts.
About Lyly Koenig Mendez
Lyly was an orphan brought to the United States through Operation Babylift; her life story is 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 continued her education at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and the Miami International University of Art and Design. Lyly’s career included work in television and film production and accomplishments as a graphic and fashion designer — her designs were showcased in ATG’s 2010 Fashion for a Passion. She also cheered for the St. Louis Rams in the 1990s and for the San Diego Chargers from 2000–2001.
Lyly passed away near Houston, Texas, on January 20, 2015, at age 40 after an eight-year battle with breast cancer. Throughout her illness she remained joyful, creative, compassionate, and devoted to family and friends. The #LiveLikeLyly Memorial Scholarship was created to honor her legacy and to encourage students to carry forward her example of resilience and creativity.
Scholarship Overview
- Purpose: To offer financial support and visibility to Asian American students pursuing college-level study in fashion and/or graphic design.
- Award: One $1,000 scholarship to be applied toward tuition and fees.
- Disbursement: Award funds will be sent directly to the recipient’s educational institution in the student’s name.
- Recipient Requirement: Scholarship winners must produce a brief (approximately 1-minute) “thank you” video for publication on ATG’s social media channels.
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 a high school senior or a full-time student at an accredited U.S. vocational school, community/junior college, or four-year college/university. By the upcoming academic year, applicants must be enrolled full-time and pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree with a major in fashion or graphic design.
- Demonstrate leadership through community service, extracurricular involvement, or other meaningful activities.
- Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 (unweighted) scale.
- Note: Immediate family members of ATG Board members are not eligible.
Selection Process
Recipients are chosen using a point-based evaluation across five categories. The applicant with the highest total score will be awarded the scholarship. Judging categories include:
1. Quality of submitted materials (essay and/or artistic portfolio)
2. Academic achievement
3. Leadership and community service contributions
4. Letters of recommendation
5. Phone or in-person interview with the selection committee
For more information or questions about the application, please contact ATG directly.