$70,000 community leadership scholarships awarded to Mississauga and Brampton students
Published May 26, 2023 at 9:00 am
Two Mississauga students and one Brampton student won community leadership scholarships worth up to $70,000.
The students won TD Scholarships for Community Leadership for work such as fundraisers for Ukraine, starting a 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusivity Club, and walking 75 km for the Poppy Fund.
The scholarship recipients receive up to $70,000 for tuition and living expenses as well as opportunities for paid summer employment, peer networking and mentorship.
“We know how tough the past few years have been for us all, including the next generation of leaders,” says Alicia Rose, TD associate vice president of Social Impact. “That’s why we’re proud to celebrate these exceptional TD Scholars who are showing their commitment to making positive and inclusive impacts within their communities as they embark on the next stages of their lives.”
The three students are:
Ahmad Elbayoumi, St Francis Xavier Secondary School, Mississauga
Ahmad noticed how young people sought social change but lacked awareness of the political process and launched FX Model Parliament, a political debate club, at his school. With over 60 members, the group hosted guest speakers, and held a mock provincial election.
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The club also organized a humanitarian fundraiser for Ukraine, and prepared a student handbook on the political system.
Ahmad was also a Legislative Page at the Ontario Legislative Assembly, taught at a private Arabic school, coached youth in martial arts, and wrote a political affairs newsletter.
Sophia Lezhanska, Bishop Allen Academy, Mississauga
Upon realizing that her high school lacked a 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusivity Club, Sophia successfully championed the idea and began leading weekly meetings, social justice discussions, themed movie nights, and communications to raise awareness, solidarity and allyship.
She also co-led her school’s Literary and Arts Magazine, served as an orientation trip leader to grade nine students, played volleyball and took part in math club. To honour her heritage, she volunteered at Ukrainian Canadian Social Services, including client service, fundraising and outreach to displaced Ukrainian citizens.
Mackenzie Nolan, Cardinal Leger Catholic Secondary School, Brampton
Mackenzie admired and mirrored the community spirit of her parents and grandparents who volunteered at her school.
A member of Missanabie Cree First Nation, Mackenzie joined the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and earned top rankings, supporting both younger cadets and veterans. She completed a 24-hour, 75-kilometre, fundraising walk for the Poppy Fund on the 75th anniversary of the Second World War.
When the pandemic halted regular volunteer opportunities, she helped both the City of Brampton Social Task Force and Global Medics distribute relief packages to address local and overseas food insecurity.
The TD scholarships are awarded to students in their last year of high school and have a value of up to $70,000, including up to $10,000 for tuition and $7,500 for living expenses per year for a maximum of four years.
The three students are among 20 award winners this year.
For more information, see the TD website.
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