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 Jennifer Hao (Burnaby, BC), Eva Olynyk (Salt Spring Island, BC), Leah Bae (Vancouver, BC), and Melissa Morrison (Vancouver, BC), these young leaders have inspired environmental action, social justice and the arts in their communities.

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 British Columbia Recipients:

Jennifer Hao of Burnaby North Secondary School co-founded the Burnaby Youth Sustainability Network, an organization in which several district schools collaboratively foster environmental stewardship in the community. She is also a key driver behind hosting her school district's annual sustainability conference. Jennifer also serves as vice-president of her school's Amnesty International club.

Eva Olynyk of Gulf Islands Secondary School led a range of new programs to promote student participation in school affairs and civic life. Her student advocacy system helps to mediate problems between students and faculty; she also revived student positions on the school board and local government bodies. Eva worked with her community to host a debate for federal election candidates, as well as the 2011 school board trustees election.

Leah Bae, a Vancouver recipient from Lord Byng Secondary School, is the president of the Vancouver District Students' Council. Leah demonstrated her leadership after the Stanley Cup riot by organizing a youth forum, which provided the city with the critical youth perspective needed for its analysis. Leah also mentored grade 7 girls through her local YWCA.

Another Vancouverite, Melissa Morrison from Eric Hamber Secondary School has been selected for her work in founding Four Directions, a cross-cultural club for First Nations and non-First Nations students to come together. A member of the Namgis First Nation of Alert Bay, Melissa is also working on a documentary about First Nations youth and participates in the Vancouver District Student Council, the Compassionate Leadership Club and the Gay Straight Alliance.

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.