TD banks on Canada's future leaders: More than $1 million awarded to 20 Canadian students

– 400 #TDScholarship recipients granted more than $20 million since 1995 in recognition of their significant efforts to make a difference in their community –

• @TDNews_Canada congratulates this year's #TDScholarship recipients on driving social change in their communities  http://bit.ly/1xKEVNK 

TORONTO, May 29, 2015 /CNW/ - For 20 years, TD Scholarships for Community Leadership has celebrated and awarded young Canadians for their commitment to driving social change.  This year's recipients are no exception. From becoming a leader within the Aboriginal community and empowering youth through computer programming to using sports as a teaching tool, each of the 20 TD Scholarship recipients have had a significant impact on their communities. In recognition of their efforts, each recipient will receive up to $70,000 for tuition and living expenses for their post-secondary education.

"Over the last 20 years we have seen exemplary leadership, perseverance and compassion in every TD Scholarship recipient," said Dr. Jane Thompson, Executive Director, TD Scholarships for Community Leadership. "We believe that community-minded youth become tomorrow's leaders and every recipient has shown passion and commitment for strengthening their community. We are thrilled to recognize the achievements of this year's recipients and we look forward to their future accomplishments. "

The 2015 TD Scholarships for Community Leadership recipients will be honoured at a ceremony in Toronto on May 29. This year's recipients include: 

There were many noteworthy achievements among this year's recipients, including:  

• Mélanie-Rose Frappier, Sudbury, ON: Mélanie-Rose spoke at the 2014 We Day in Toronto, volunteered as a YMCA squash instructor and a Terry Fox Committee fundraiser, and has become a respected youth leader in the Aboriginal, Métis, and Francophone communities. Mélanie-Rose also created It's Cool to be Healthy/C'est cool d'être en santé, an interactive program that shows youth the benefits of exercise and nutrition.
  
  
• Lucas Walters, Clarenville, NL: Lucas formed SPEAK, Students Promoting Equality and Kinship, to serve as a gay-straight alliance and promote anti-bullying. The club has resonated with students, staff, parents and community members who recognize it as creating a positive, inclusive atmosphere in the school and town. Lucas is also a founding member of his school's environment club, vice president of his Student Council and volunteers with a breakfast program.
  
  
• Duva Karunakaran, Richmond, BC: With a belief that sports are a powerful tool to teach life skills, Duva founded Kids for Kids to ensure that children in his community who lack financial means or family support can play sports. Duva is also co-president of the Vancouver District Student Council, sits on an anti-bullying task force and is a soccer coach for the Special Olympics.

Through the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership program, 20 scholarships are awarded each year to high school or CEGEP students who show leadership in helping improve their communities. The scholarship includes up to $10,000 for tuition and $7,500 for living expenses per year at any accredited university or college in Canada. Recipients are also guaranteed summer employment at TD, as well as mentorship and networking opportunities. Since 1995, TD Bank Group has contributed more than $20 million to 400 Canadian high school students for their post-secondary education. 

Students who are interested in being recognized for making their community a better place can apply for 2016 scholarships starting September 2015. Further details on the eligibility and selection process for the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership program, as well as more information about this year's recipients, is available at www.td.com/scholarship.

About TD Community Giving

TD Bank Group invests in communities in order to affect positive change in the places where it operates and where its customers and employees live and work. In 2014, TD donated more than $82 million to community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, TD focuses on education and financial literacy, creating opportunities for young people and the environment. For further information, please visit www.td.com/corporate-responsibility.

SOURCE TD Bank Group