Twelve outstanding students will receive up to $2,500 each for post-secondary education

TORONTO, Aug. 12, 2013 /CNW/ - Do you care how food moves from the farm gate to your dinner plate? TD Bank Group does and believes agri-business is an important driver of Canada's economy. In recognition of Canada's agricultural leaders of tomorrow, TD and the Canadian 4-H Council announced the recipients of the 2013 TD 4-H Agriculture Scholarship, each valued at $2,500, which will go towards a post-secondary education in an agriculture or agri-business related field of study.

The TD 4-H Agriculture Scholarship is awarded to Canadian students in their last year of high school, based on academic excellence and their geographic location, ensuring representation from across the country. This year's recipients received the TD 4-H Agriculture Scholarship which provides funding for their post-secondary tuition, books and/or lodging.

"At TD we are committed to supporting the agriculture industry in Canada and are very proud to support these outstanding students as they embark on furthering their education in an agriculture-related discipline.  This year's Scholarship recipients have demonstrated outstanding dedication to both their academics and agricultural pursuits through their involvement with 4-H, and we are confident that they will make a significant impact to the industry," says Derek Koppe, Senior Vice President, Business Banking, Prairie District & National Agriculture Services, TD Bank Group.

TD 4-H Agriculture Scholarship - 2013 Recipients

• Alison Greaves, Miniota, MB
• Amy Pizzey, Binscarth, MB 
• Annie Rosia, Okotoks, AB
• Avery Crocker, Bindloss, AB
• Brianna Elliot, Rock Creek, BC
• Janessa Henry, Upper Musquodoboit, NS
• Lauren Keirstead, Norton, NB
• Lauren Steffler, Bright, ON
• Matthew Morin, St. Felix de Kingsey, QC 
• Robyn Gerrard, Elphinstone, MB
• Shannon Langridge, Picton, ON
• Shawna Turner, Springside, SK

"We are very pleased to provide this scholarship with the help and support of TD," says Sue Wood, Program Coordinator at 4-H Canada. "This scholarship helps 4‐H youth pursue their dreams through post-secondary education, and nurtures their future as leaders in agriculture."

In its 12^th year, the TD 4-H Agriculture Scholarship encourages youth to consider agricultural studies and provides new ways for young people to enter the field. The scholarship is open to 4-H members over the age of 16 in their last year of high school, who are planning to enroll in post-secondary education in an agriculture or agri-business related discipline.

Previous scholarship recipients have studied in the fields of veterinary medicine, engineering, agriculture and bio‐chemistry. To date TD Bank has contributed $260,000 to the TD 4-H Agriculture Scholarship.

TD Community Giving
TD invests in communities to make a positive impact where it does business and where our customers, clients and employees live and work. In 2012, TD donated over $65 million to support community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, we focus on Education and Financial Literacy, Creating Opportunities for Young People, and the Environment. For more information, please visit: www.td.com/corporateresponsibility.

About 4-H Canada
4-H is one of Canada's longest running and most respected youth serving organizations helping young Canadians to "Learn to Do by Doing" in a safe environment. With more than 26,000 members and more than 8,400 volunteer leaders, the 4-H community has extended beyond its rural roots and offers clubs for a diverse range of interests and skills across the country. Provided with tools and guidance, 4-H members work individually and with others to reach their goals. This unique combination of group-based learning and personal interests is what makes the 4-H experience exciting and memorable for everyone involved. Through this process, we are creating a 4-H culture of skilled, responsible and confident leaders that are committed to positively impacting their communities across Canada. At a national program level, members have the chance to travel nationally or internationally, and participate in leadership conferences and seminars.

SOURCE: TD Bank Group