TD Scholarship for Community Leadership 2012 recipients recognized for vision, leadership and community spirit

TORONTO, April 3, 2012 /CNW/ - TD Bank Group is recognizing 20 of Canada's most promising students by awarding each of them a 2012 TD Scholarship for Community Leadership. One of the most prestigious merit scholarships in Canada, it is valued at up to $70,000 per student. The scholarship recognizes and supports Canada's emerging leaders, all of whom have demonstrated innovation and initiative while making a difference in their community. Each scholarship recipient exemplifies the best in community leadership from coast to coast.

This year, TD recognized the achievements of two Owen Sound citizens, David Beisel and Samantha Manner of West Hill Secondary School. These young recipients have shown leadership in environmental improvement and promoting the arts in the community.

For the 17^th consecutive year, TD will contribute more than $1 million towards the recipients' post-secondary tuition and living expenses, along with a guaranteed offer of summer employment at TD for up to four years. Eligible students are in their final year of high school, or CEGEP in Quebec. To date, TD has donated more than $17 million to 340 students.

"We are thrilled to recognize these exceptional students and community leaders with the TD Scholarship for Community Leadership. They offer us a glimpse of our country's bright future," said Frank McKenna, Deputy Chair, TD Bank Group. "TD is proud to support those who make a positive impact in their community."

TD Scholarships for Community Leadership - 2012 Owen Sound Recipients:

David Beisel is president of the Youth Theatre Coalition of Owen Sound, which he also helped to establish. The coalition provides a forum for youth to learn and perform and has mounted nice full scale productions to date.  David has participated in local theater as a writer, director, choreographer and head of the Fundraising Committee for the Coalition. David has also been an active member of his students' council and the Owen Sound Culture Committee.

Samantha Manner started the Green Group at West Hill Secondary School. The club has made the school more sustainable by planting trees on school grounds, starting a composting program, creating a garden for the culinary arts class, and promoting a single-stream recycling awareness campaign to reduce waste. Samantha is also being recognized for her participation in anti-bullying efforts.

For more information about this year's recipients, as well as eligibility and application details for the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership, visit www.td.com/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 2011, TD donated over $66 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.