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 Christopher Grouchy (Brighton, ON), Benjamin Jones (Belleville, ON), and Abby Emdin (Picton, ON), three students who have inspired engagement and international development 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 Belleville, Brighton, and Picton Recipients:

Christopher Grouchy of East Northumberland Secondary School in Brighton created the Elementary Advisory Committee, providing over 20,000 grade 7 and 8 students with a forum to discuss issues in their education system. As a means to allow those who are silent to take a stand for their beliefs, Chris established a student-driven magazine in his community called "Leading to the Future".  As public president of the Ontario Student Trustees' Association, he hopes his legacy will inspire students across other school boards to become active in their communities.

Belleville recipient Benjamin Jones established the Belleville Youth Drop-in Centre. The Centennial Secondary School student has created a safe and supportive environment to help encourage healthy choices and community engagement among teens while providing links to valuable youth service programs. Ben is also the co-chair of the Change the World Youth Challenge Committee and has started an Inclusion Club at his school to promote acceptance among all students.

Abby Emdin of Nicholson Catholic College in Belleville co-founded World Without Worms, a student-led effort to raise funds for school-based deworming programs in India and Africa. The deworming programs funded by Abby's group help to reduce school absenteeism in developing countries. World Without Worms has expanded to other schools in Ontario, BC and to Waterloo and Queen's Universities. Abby tutors and volunteers at QHC Belleville General Hospital and is co-president of her school's student council and Best Buddies chapter.

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.