Lucy Stobbe, a 2024 graduate from Bishop James Mahoney High School, was at a lifeguarding class when her phone rang. “I’m soaking wet, and I thought, ‘Who is this person who keeps calling me?’”
On the other end of the line was a representative from TD Bank Group inviting Lucy to Ottawa as one of 20 recipients of its 2024 TD Scholarships for Community Leadership program.
Months earlier, Lucy started the application process for the highly-competitive $70,000 per-person scholarship. “My mom was pushing me to apply for scholarships.” When Lucy saw the TD scholarship, she thought, “This one’s about leadership. I feel like I’ve done some leadership in the past. I’ll shoot my shot and see where this leads me.”
In her application essay, Lucy outlined her leadership roles as a volunteer leader at Simonhouse Bible Camp in northern Manitoba, an active member at St. Vincent’s Orthodox Church, and as an organizer of a bike rally to raise awareness for bicycle safety.
“I have so many stories of near misses on the road,” Lucy explained as a cyclist. “Biking to and from school really opened my eyes as to how disrespected bikes are on the road. There’s a lot of miscommunication between cyclists and drivers. I was at my breaking point about something having to change.”
Then there was a tragic accident causing the death of Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools’ teacher Natasha Fox while she was cycling in the spring of 2023.
The planned safety rally gained momentum after the accident. Lucy met city councillors and members of Saskatoon Cycles at the rally. She was invited to speak at city council and sit on the city’s Active Transportation Advisory Group.
Lucy is planning a gap year (she’s allowed to defer the scholarship for a year) so she can attend Torchbearers International bible school in Austria. “It’s been a dream to go to Europe and travel. I’m able to combine desires by going with some people from bible camp to grow and develop in my faith with other like-minded people from all over the world.”
After that, Lucy plans to enrol in environmental studies and public policy at the University of Ottawa, where there are opportunities for her to continue her bilingual (English and French) studies.
Reflecting on her time in high school, Lucy is thankful for the opportunities she has had and for the support of teachers. “Madame Kelln was always encouraging. As a teacher and through Saints In Action (social justice club), she has really inspired me.”
Looking to the future, that same thankfulness is apparent. “Having this scholarship opens up opportunities that I couldn’t have had before. And I’m really happy to be a part of the scholarship alumni group.”
Congratulations Lucy, and to the entire Class of 2024!
About the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership:
Since 1995, TD has awarded millions in TD Scholarships for Community Leadership to recognize students who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to community leadership. TD Scholarships for Community Leadership recipients receive up to $70,000 for tuition and living expenses as well as opportunities for paid summer employment, peer networking and mentorship. Supporting young community leaders is one way TD is helping build a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow.
More information, including a list of 2024 recipients, can be found at https://educationnewscanada.com/article/education/category/achievements/131/1085275/td-awards-1-4-million-in-scholarships-to-20-outstanding-canadian-students.html
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