TOYOTA CANADA - Every day, in communities across Canada, young people are actively demonstrating their passion for the environment through the important work they accomplish. These dedicated students are today's environmental leaders and advocates. In partnership with Earth Day Canada, Toyota Canada is fostering the educational growth of these young environmental leaders.
Twenty students who have demonstrated environmental leadership were recognized yesterday for their outstanding contributions. They are the regional winners of the eleventh annual Toyota Earth Day Scholarship, announced by Toyota Canada Foundation and Earth Day Canada in celebration of Earth Week.
The students will be honoured in local ceremonies across the country, and will each receive $5,000 to assist in developing their academic careers. The scholarship will be directed towards educational expenses for full-time post-secondary studies in Canada.
"All Canadians have a role in making this country a greener place through smart decisions that minimize our environmental footprint," said Seiji Ichii, President of Toyota Canada Inc. "These young people will have a key role in leading the next generation of Canadians to develop a better and higher level of environmental sustainability. I congratulate all of them for their inspiring efforts and wish them all the best in their future endeavours."
"These students are an important reminder of the passion, dedication and ingenuity that young people bring to addressing environmental issues," added Jed Goldberg, President of Earth Day Canada. "Regardless of the professional path they choose, their commitment to creating a healthier environment, and in turn healthier communities, ensures that new, important ideas and strategies will be part of the mix that helps us deal with the challenges before us."
The 20 regional winners will now move on as finalists for the 2013 Toyota Earth Day Scholarship National Award. One winner, selected from these finalists, will be awarded the National Award and a Panasonic notebook computer at the National Award Ceremony in addition to the $5,000 scholarship.
The Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program was established by Earth Day Canada, with financial support from Toyota Canada Inc., to reward and encourage environmental commitment and action among students. This scholarship is presented to graduating high school or cégep students in Canada entering their first year of post-secondary education. Recognizing that environmental issues are increasingly being tackled through multidisciplinary approaches, winners are selected regardless of their intended program of study.
Now in its eleventh year, $900,000 has been awarded to 180 exceptional young leaders through the Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program.
2013 Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Winners
• Deven Azevedo, Langley, British Columbia
• Kathleen Berger, Medicine Hat, Alberta
• Mari-Christine Bouchard-Martel, Alma, Quebec
• Alexandra Bruni-Bossio, Jasper, Alberta
• ShengDi (Sharon) Chen, Markham, Ontario
• Nicole Doray, Thornhill, Ontario
• Nayani Jensen, Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Jenny Kuan, Brossard, Quebec
• Rosa Poirier-McKiggan, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
• Nhat-Tan Nguyen, Montreal, Quebec
• Raphael Nowak, Kelowna, British Columbia
• Thea Olalia, Winnipeg, Manitoba
• Kristina Parker, Conestogo, Ontario
• Sandrine Renaud, Quebec, Quebec
• Laura Rigg, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
• Kelsey Shaw, Orillia, Ontario
• Danvy Tran, Calgary, Alberta
• Monique Tuin, Georgetown, Ontario
• Saskia Vaisey, Port Moody, British Columbia
• Katherine Wheatley, Pointe-Claire, Quebec
Please click http://earthday.ca/scholarship/winners.php
for full profiles for each of the regional winners.