Chetanbir Brar, a student at Garibaldi Secondary School in Maple Ridge, has been named one of the 20 recipients of the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership, securing a substantial $70,000 scholarship.
Brar, set to graduate from Garibaldi Secondary this year, stands among a select group of graduates nationwide to receive this esteemed scholarship, bestowed at the beginning of April. The scholarship grants Brar $10,000 annually for four years toward tuition and textbooks, alongside an additional $7,500 per year for living expenses.
The 18-year-old’s journey to receiving this honor began with a surprising phone call during a family gathering. Initially hesitant to answer due to the unfamiliar number, Brar eventually accepted the call amidst the jubilant cheers of his family.
Brar’s dedication to community service and leadership played a pivotal role in securing this scholarship. Actively involved in various clubs and initiatives, Brar has demonstrated a deep commitment to making a positive impact both within his school community and beyond.
Notably, Brar founded a chapter of The Good Guys Club at Garibaldi Secondary, a youth-led non-profit organization focused on addressing homelessness and food insecurity in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Under his leadership, the club has made significant strides, providing care packages and support to those experiencing homelessness and collaborating with local organizations like the Salvation Army Ridge Meadows Ministries and the Friends In Need Food Bank.
Furthermore, Brar has been instrumental in advocating for mental health awareness at Garibaldi Secondary, organizing initiatives such as Wellness Wednesdays and extending support to residents of Baillie House, a long-term care community in Maple Ridge.
Brar’s dedication to community service extends to mentoring initiatives such as the Model United Nations group and the Link Crew, where he provides guidance and support to his peers.
Heading to the University of Alberta to study neuroscience in the fall, Brar aspires to pursue a career in medicine. In addition to the financial support provided by the scholarship, Brar will also benefit from summer employment opportunities offered by TD and gain access to peer networking and mentorship opportunities.
Since its inception in 1995, TD has awarded millions in scholarships to commend students for their exceptional commitment to community leadership, underscoring the bank’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Brar recently attended a conference in Ottawa, where he had the opportunity to connect with fellow scholarship winners, donors, and members of the trustee board, describing the experience as akin to forging lasting familial bonds.
Brar’s remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication exemplify the spirit of community leadership, setting a shining example for future generations of students.
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