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 TD Scholarships for Community Leadership TD is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2009-2010TD Scholarships for Community Leadership valued at up to $70,000 each. From across the country, these young Canadians have made a meaningful and lasting difference in their communities. All of these extraordinary young people share one common belief - one person can indeed make a difference. 
The 2009-2010 TD Scholarships were officially awarded on April 29th at a national ceremony in Ottawa by Kerry Peacock, Executive Vice President, Branch Banking, TD Canada Trust.
TD Scholarship Recipients
Abirami Ananthan After spending the summer of 2008 building a school in India, Abirami founded her school’s chapter of Me to We. Believing that youth have the power to help other youth, Abirami also established Heart2Hearts, a youth mentorship and leadership group in her community. Abirami volunteers with the Canadian Aid Rehabilitation and Education Program, providing support for children who have been affected by war, natural disaster and poverty, as well as with Tamil Scouts, helping youth learn the value of life. She has taken part in several fundraising campaigns through her involvement with Jarvis Peer Leaders, Amnesty International and Student Council. She is also active on the St. James Town Youth Council and Growing Together Summer Reading Club. She enjoys playing the violin and editing pictures. In university, Abirami wants to acquire additional knowledge and tools, continuing to contribute to the betterment of the society.
Andrei Biltan Since arriving in Canada at the beginning of high school, Andrei has become an advocate for the voice of youth. Noticing a lack of youth voice in mental health services, he introduced a youth mental health awareness program to his community. He is also involved with the Consumer and Advocate Network, as well as Dare to Dream and is currently a Youth Engagement Trainer. Previously he participated as a Youth Research Assistant for a youth engagement study. Andrei is Chair of the Halton Regional Youth Advisory Committee, a Youth Net Facilitator, and was a Peer Leader with Public Health. He holds leadership positions in Junior Achievement and was involved in National Young Decision Makers. At his school, Andrei founded a tobacco awareness group and has been involved with the Multicultural Council, Leadership Team, DECA and Model U.N. Andrei plans to pursue a career in public affairs and law.
Stéphanie Brisson Convinced that young people have a place in the world of science, Stéphanie decided to take action to make science attractive to them. She introduced the Expo-Sciences competition in her secondary school and, since then, dozens of teams have participated. After participating in the Shad Valley International program, Stéphanie is now endeavouring to make it known throughout Quebec. She is also encouraging girls to embrace careers in science and technology through days organized specially for them. Stéphanie has been a tutor in French and physics for several years. She also enjoys the arts and sports. Seeking a career in physics, she hopes to make a place for herself among the greats in this field.
Hasina Shain Daya Hasina has taken a keen interest in international issues as a result of her involvement with socially conscious programs at her school including Breakfast Club, Charity Club and Me2We. Inspired to help others and positively impact the community and the world at large, Hasina travelled to the Dominican Republic to assist with a school make-over and teach alternative income solutions to Haitian Refugees. Hasina is an active Ranger with Girl Guides of Canada and is a member of the organization’s Inclusivity Practices Task Force. She is also involved with the Ismaili Volunteer Corps, the Duke of Edinburg program and is Captain of her school’s Improv Team. She plans to pursue a career as a Human Rights Lawyer.
Nadine Demko Motivated by her passion for the humanities, Nadine has taken on various initiatives as her school's Humanitarian Ambassador, including the founding of an ethical consumerism group and fund-raisers for local charities (Siloam Mission) and world relief organizations (Red Cross for Haiti). She has also been active in raising the awareness of the Holodomor, and has organized a school commemoration service for the tragedy. She is the editor of her school newspaper, as well as a chair on the environmental group. Nadine is active in her Ukrainian community, as a member of a dance ensemble and as the youth leader of her Ukrainian Scouting group, Plast. She is also a children's counselor in Plast and is a Ukrainian dance instructor. She will be representing the Ukrainian Pavilion as a Youth Ambassador this year during Folklorama. Nadine is a member of her church choir and is involved in the performing arts program in her school in bands, choirs, and musicals. She has also participated in Shad Valley and is a peer tutor. As well, she volunteers at Holy Family Nursing Home, and plans to pursue a career in the medical sciences.
Cody Dunne Through his involvement in the leadership group, Allied Youth, Cody has made significant contributions to helping young people in his province learn and develop new skills. Serving at both regional and provincial levels, Cody has been the Provincial President and International Co-President of the A.Y. Executive. Within his terms, he has established four new Allied Youth groups, enabling youth and adults to get involved in their local communities. Cody developed an annual leadership training conference to provide members with the necessary skills to be successful in leading their own groups. He also serves as a youth representative and executive secretary on the provincial A.Y. Advisory Committee. Cody is Student Council President, active in 4-H Newfoundland & Labrador and is a lifeguard at the local pool. He holds a third degree belt in Taekwon-do and has competed at various national and international competitions.
Toluwani Falaye Toluwani enthusiastically approaches the opportunities and challenges in her life. Recognizing the unique challenges working women face, Toluwani created the Youth Initiative Leadership Program (YILP), equipping young women with leadership skills to help them be successful. Working with other local organizations, YILP hosted the Calgary Multicultural Festival, highlighting and celebrating the diversity of cultures within Calgary, and providing an avenue for members to showcase their leadership talents. Funds raised from the festival were donated to World Vision to assist with aid to Darfur. Toluwani is also a member of the Mayor's Youth Council and works as a mentor for the Calgary Bridge Foundation, helping immigrant youth transition into Canadian society. Toluwani is actively involved in speech and debate and also enjoys writing, reading, sports and photography. She hopes to work with humanitarian agencies and eventually start her own agency focusing on the rights of women worldwide.
Katie Flynn Since winning Miss Teen Canada Galaxy, Katie has been a strong voice for youth and an avid volunteer in her community. She has served as youth representative on the municipal council, the Labrador Straits Development Corporation and currently sits on Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Youth Council and the provincial Youth Advisory Committee. Katie participated in a youth parliament, organized a World Vision 30 Hour Famine and is also active in her faith community. Katie recently succeeded in bringing an elected Student Council to her school and was elected as President. She is also a member of the Center for Distance Learning and Innovation’s Youth Advisory Group. She is a peer tutor, participates in various sports and recently won the Lions Club Speak Out Contest. Katie enjoys painting, cooking, music and outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and fishing. She plans to pursue a career in economic development and human advocacy.
Sarah Gowan When Sarah’s aunt was recently diagnosed with lupus, Sarah decided to be proactive and began spearheading fundraising efforts in her school and community to support lupus research. Sarah’s efforts and determination have given her a renewed appreciation for the responsibility and ability that each of us has to be a positive influence within our community. Already she has organized a community walk to raise funds and awareness for the struggle of those afflicted with lupus, with plans for next year’s walk already underway. She is also working with Lupus Canada to produce a TV community awareness message. Sarah plays soccer, hockey and rugby and provides computer-based technical support for her school. Sarah is a senior prefect, and house captain, and enjoys her role in a reading support program with a local elementary school.
Julien Hébert Recognizing a gap at his school, Julien decided to reactivate the Amnesty International Club to help bring attention to human rights issues in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Chad, Zimbabwe, Mexico and Burma. Julien led the project by writing a constitution, recruiting members and convincing his student’s association that such a club was needed. He proceeded to build a website and organized activities including a Christmas card campaign and a yoga-thon. Julien has participated in fundraising events to provide a community school in Nicaragua - where he lived with families and volunteered on a farm. As a student representative on his school’s Health and Wellness Committee, he has organized campaign weeks focusing on topics such as stress management and suicide prevention. Julien also belongs to a school group that helps integrate students with neurological disabilities into the general student population and he volunteers and gives training at McGill General Hospital’s ER.
Taneille Johnson Taneille is passionate about science fairs, competing both nationally and internationally for more than 10 years. Her enthusiasm inspired her to develop Pathways to Science, a science education program for elementary school students in her region. With a goal to encourage interest in science and participation in science fairs, Taneille has developed unique resources for students and teachers. Already, the program has reached over 2000 students in Northern British Columbia. Taneille was a guest speaker at the British Columbia Innovation Council’s Connect 09, and is a mentor with the British Columbia Science Fair Foundation Alumni Mentorship Program. She is also an active member of many school groups including the Student Advisory Team, plays clarinet for her district concert band and has been involved with the local speed skating club for many years. Taneille plans to pursue a career in medicine and hopes to continue her work with science fairs.
Patrick Quinton-Brown Patrick is co-chair of his school’s Youth-in-Action group and founder of Operation Humanity, a web-based network of secondary school social justice and peace groups across Ontario. Last year, he spearheading the Sinclair Model United Nations Conference and as a member of the Whitby Youth Council, Patrick volunteers in various community events and founded the Whitby Film Festival. Patrick is also active as Student Council Prime Minister, Student Trustee for his school board and co-chair of the Durham Student Senate. As Director of Communications for the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association, Patrick consults with the Ministry of Education, contributes to radio programs and advocates for youth on current education issues. Last year, Patrick led a team of students to create the Sinclair Leadership Camp, a character development retreat for student leaders. Patrick enjoys acting with his school's theatre, writing, debating, and filmmaking. He plans to pursue a career in international law.
Aarman Rahim As founder of Mission Green, Aarman works with his city to involve youth in environmental restoration projects. Through Mission Green, youth are part of the solution - planting 900 trees in new park zones, repairing nestboxes, removing invasive species from local bog areas and leading shoreline cleanups. Aarman is President of Amnesty International at his school, helping to raise awareness and funds for Amnesty’s human rights programs. In his community Aarman cofounded and leads Teens Transforming the Community. T3C has made contributions to numerous charitable organizations, purchased a wheelchair for a child amputee, donated funds to four African AIDS Orphanages and purchased nearly 2000 books for a school in China. Aarman also performs in a school band, a private band and with two Vancouver choirs, and even created a benefit CD for the United Nations World Food Program. Aarman plans to become an Endodontist offering free dental service in impoverished nations.
Privia Randhawa Three years ago, Privia started working with elementary school girls to encourage the importance of physical fitness and participation in sports. She had noticed that there was a lack of female participation in the sports teams at her school and recruited fellow team members to help her coach these girls throughout the year. In 2005, she implemented the Adopt-A-Street program in her community. This involves over twenty youth in her neighbourhood. She is also part of Nature Matters, an organization that is dedicated to teaching children about protecting the natural environment. She has set up homework clubs for children who speak English as a second language. Privia is involved with the Hoops4Hope charity, she has collected used shoes to send to South Africa and her effort has helped raise over $5000. At her school, Privia has been the captain of her basketball and field hockey teams. She is also involved with students’ council and the earth club. She wishes to pursue a career in medicine.
Bronte Robinson-Pike Experiences in Bronte's life have made social justice issues very important to her. Bronte is the founder of a program called Together Against Discrimination Always (TADA) in her high school. Her goal is to bring awareness to the issues of anti-bullying and anti-discrimination and to empower people to accept themselves and other people's differences. Bronte is a peer counselor and has participated in the Gay Straight Alliance. She is a member of Grad Council and has taken suicide prevention training. Bronte has also organized community events such as Pink T-shirt Day and a fundraiser for a family in need. Campaigning against bullying, she has spoken at local elementary schools creating awareness of the effects of bullying and aiming to create positive change. Bronte enjoys hiking, dancing and attending community events. She plans to pursue a career in counseling.
Sivaniya Subramaniapillai With a love of reading, Sivaniya founded The Teen Youth Club: Barriers to Education, a weekly book club in her community that has evolved into a mentorship program for youth entering high school and an educational advocacy group. Knowing the positive impact the first club had on the youth in her community, Sivaniya initiated another club at a local health care centre for patients coping with a variety of health and wellness issues where she led group discussions and took responsibility for the library materials. Sivaniya has organized and led workshops in her community on important topics concerning youth and is currently developing a tutoring program. She has been a co-ordinator of her school fashion show for two years, helping to raise over $2000 for charity. In addition, she is a hospital volunteer and an active peer leader. Sivaniya plans to pursue a career in science and international development.
Debbie Wang Passionate about volunteering, Debbie seeks out opportunities participate in, and contribute to, her community. Debbie was motivated to establish a Youth Volunteer Corps chapter in her school when she realized there was a lack of flexible volunteering opportunities for students. Thanks to her initiative, students now have a supportive environment to experience volunteering. The group has participated in numerous projects including Yellow Fish Road, an environmental awareness activity in Calgary. and has helped Debbie’s peers discover their own love of volunteering. Debbie is also co-chair on Calgary’s Mayor’s Youth Council, this year leading a group seeking to provide the youth perspective at community events and facilities around the city. And, as an ambassador for Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta, she helps to promote the program and plan events.
Juntao (Tommy) Yan Tommy is a founding member of the Youth Outreach for Success program, a series of workshops that helps grade seven and eight students prepare for high school. Tommy’s personal experience motivated him to promote the importance of academic, extracurricular, and personal growth, as well as tools for achieving these goals, to students about to enter high school. Tommy has also been active on the Markham Mayor’s Youth Task Force for the last two years. Serving as a Youth Liaison, he visits both elementary and high schools to advocate the importance of volunteerism in Markham. In partnership with this Task Force, Tommy has worked with several schools in his community. With a keen interest in sports, Tommy has coached ice hockey, taekwondo, skating, and badminton. He also participates in academic enrichment programs, engages in personal fitness and plays the piano.
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