Non Profits | December 15, 2025
Written By JR Robinson
COLLIERVILLE, TN – December 12, 2025 – Proving that resilience is the heartbeat of Memphis, the MVP3 Foundation is proud to announce the relaunch of its global social justice initiative, marked by the awarding of the prestigious John Amos Grant to Collierville High School student Ally Lyon.
Nominated by Jessica Roberts of the Collierville High School Media Department, Lyon is the fourth recipient of this grant. She is recognized not only for her technical skill but for her profound commitment to media integrity—a core pillar of the Foundation’s revived mission.
This announcement signifies a triumph over recent obstacles, symbolizing a "Rocky-style" comeback for a project dedicated to community healing, youth empowerment, and global health.
This initiative is a direct continuation of the work started by the late, legendary actor John Amos and his son, KC Amos. In May 2023, the father-son duo visited Memphis with a specific intent: to support the MVP3 Foundation in building a thriving local entertainment industry and helping youth navigate trauma through the creative arts.
Despite the momentum of the initial launch, the project faced significant headwinds following widely publicized health concerns regarding John Amos and a subsequent "political storm" in Memphis. These events, which included a mayoral veto of a grant, stalled critical economic growth and job opportunities for local students.
However, perseverance prevailed. The Shelby County Commission demonstrated their support by overriding the veto, allowing the MVP3 Foundation to weather the storm. Today, the mission stands stronger than ever, anchored by a new "Three Generations" mural at 88 S. Front Street in downtown Memphis, honoring John Amos, his father, and his son—a visual testament funded by the City of Memphis and unveiled in October 2025.
Ally Lyon’s selection as the John Amos Grant recipient highlights the intersection of media and advocacy. An aspiring attorney, Lyon is using her camera to explore the root causes of societal division and family breakdown.
"We are pleased to nominate Ally for her outstanding filming skills," stated Jessica Roberts, Director of Television at Collierville High School’s Dragon Media TV. "The MVP3 Foundation partnership presents remarkable new opportunities for our media department students."
The relaunched project focuses on the life-saving work of the Global Cardiac Alliance (GCA) and the mitigation of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Initially funded in 2022 with support from Councilman JB Smiley and former Commissioner Reginald Milton, the project empowers students to tell stories that matter.
This is a collaborative effort bridging the gap between schools and communities:
Collaboration: Students from Collierville High School are working alongside peers from Westwood High School.
Paid Internships: Through a partnership with the State of Tennessee, students receive paid internships, offering real-world career pathways.
Content Creation: Students are managing their own channels on the MVP3 Network, interviewing prominent figures such as Judge Sugarmon, Commissioner Charlie Caswell, and ACE trainer Becky Haas.
The revival of this project is described by MVP3 founder Marie Pizano as a fight for the community's future.
"The journey of this mission—not only my personal story, but the MVP3 Foundation's story and the story of resilience here in Memphis—is basically like a 'Rocky Balboa' story," said Marie Pizano, Founder and President of the MVP3 Foundation. "We keep getting hit... but we persevere and succeed. My goal is to use this 'Rocky' spirit to empower everyone to know that their dreams can still come true despite obstacles. I believe in taking a broken heart and making it into art."
KC Amos, continuing his father’s work, emphasized the weight of this moment.
"My father always emphasized the necessity of using our platforms for purpose, not just entertainment," said Amos. "Seeing young leaders like Ally and the entire Collierville and Westwood media teams take up that mantle in Memphis and Collierville is exactly what his legacy is all about: building strong communities and future leaders."
The MVP3 Foundation invites the community to support these student initiatives as they transform personal challenges into community healing, proving that truth and purpose can indeed triumph over adversity.
For more information on the project and previous recipients, visit mvp3foundation.org/in-the-news.
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