Montagnard Legacy Scholars
Investing in Our Future
The MAO Legacy Scholarship was created to honor our community's history and the leaders who paved the way. This scholarship is named in tribute to Dr. YSiu Hlong, who served as the executive director of the Montagnard Dega Association (MDA) for over 30 years. He was among the first Montagnard refugees to arrive in the United States in 1986, and his decades of service helped countless families navigate their new lives.
The scholarship also recognizes the "forgotten heroes"—our veteran elders who sacrificed so much. Many feel their stories and contributions are being lost. We created this scholarship as a way to honor their legacy and ensure that the next generation never forgets its roots.
Each year, we award a $1,000 scholarship to one high school student and one college student to support their educational journeys.
Why This Scholarship Matters: Bridging Generations
This scholarship is part of a larger effort to bridge the generational gap within our community. Through programs that focus on culture, mental wellness, and civic engagement, we create opportunities for our youth to learn directly from their elders.
Cultural Preservation: Our youth participate in traditional dance, music, and language classes, learning to preserve and embrace their heritage.
Mental Wellness: We foster positive relationships between youth and elders, providing a space for open dialogue and mutual support.
Future Leaders: We empower our young people to become leaders with the linguistic and cultural knowledge needed to support our community for years to come.
By supporting the Legacy Scholarship, you are not just funding a student; you are investing in the future of our community and ensuring that the sacrifices of our elders are never forgotten.
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Lydia Buonya
2025-2026 Legacy Scholar
“Hey guys! My name is Lydia Buonya, and I am currently a Junior in High school. I’m so excited to now be part of the Montagnard Legacy Scholars progra,m and I can’t wait to act on my goals for my community!”
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YSunhing Nieadrong
2025-2026 Legacy Scholar
“My name is YSunhing Nieadrong, and I am currently a senior in high school. I am excited to be a part of the Montagnard Legacy Program, where I look forward to learning more about my heritage, developing my leadership skills, and exploring ways I can contribute to my community.”
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Jordan Dely
2023-2024 Legacy Scholar
“Hello, my name is Jordan Dely and I am currently an 11th grader at Greensboro College Middle College. I am proud Montagnard, and I am from the Bunong tribe. I am motivated to take responsibility and bringing guidance to MDA/MAO youth program. My long-term goal is to be a contributor to the Montagnard community advancing the awareness of our people all around the world.”
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Y'Bhahin Adrong
2023-2024 Legacy Scholar
“Hello, my name is Y’Bhanin Adrong. I came to Greensboro, NC from Vietnam in 2021. I am currently a senior at Page High School. I work part-time at Stamey’s Barbeque. My future goals are to graduate in June 2024 and go to UNCG where I want to pursue a degree in Computer Science.”
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H'Lan Siu
2023-2024 Legacy Scholar
"My name is H’Lan Siu. I was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the United States with my family when I was 5 years old. I grew up in Raleigh and recently moved to Charlotte to pursue my nursing degree at UNC Charlotte. I am currently working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and a part-time nanny. I enjoy cooking and eating with friends and family.”
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Danny Mlo
2023-2024 Legacy Scholar
Danny is a senior at UNCG Middle College and will graduate a year early. Danny is CPR, OSHA certified, and plans to pursue a nursing degree at UNCG. Danny’s goal after college is to become a travel nurse anesthetist. Danny is from the Bunong Tribe and has been learning and embracing his culture. He found culture preservation is important and hope to spread the word about the Montagnard community in every way he can. “ Life is only a fragment to the whole in which we use the painting without a canvas for creations; I use it to help people”- Danny M.
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Gloria Eban
2022-2023 Legacy Scholar
Gloria Eban is an art student at Weaver Academy. She is a mixed-media artist with a primary focus on painting. Gloria does other forms of art such as photography, playing the piano, and fashion. This year Gloria won second place for the 2023 Sixth District Congressional Art Competition. Gloria is an MDA Legacy Scholar who helps teach Rhade classes alongside her mother and is an active volunteer in our community. In the future Gloria sees herself continuing to study art in college.
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Missy Ksor
2022-2023 Legacy Scholar
