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 Nova Scotians Paige Zwicker (Fletchers Lake, NS) and Aaron Stevens (Dartmouth, NS). These young leaders have inspired social justice and positive change 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 Nova Scotia Recipients:

Fletchers Lake resident Paige Zwicker is being recognized for addressing the social challenges she saw in her Atlantic community. Paige reached out to at-risk, disadvantaged youth by starting a Leadership Mentor program in a local public housing community.  She is co-president of her students' council and a youth representative on her community centre's volunteer board. Paige was also recognized for co-founding a Free the Children group at Lockview High School.

Aaron Stevens, from Dartmouth, is working to make Nova Scotia a safer place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. Aaron worked with The Youth Project to connect Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) in schools across the province, and has led two successful GSA conferences. Aaron is also a co-premier for the Nova Scotia Secondary Students Association and the co-chair of Auburn Drive High School's GSA.

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.