This year two Vancouver School District students were awarded fifth annual Trevor Linden Community Spirit Scholarships. This year's scholarship winners were David Thompson Secondary's Parys Liu and Britannia Secondary's Nathalie Mila.

Liu was honoured due to her work with K.A.R.E. (Kids Actions Really Energize) Power, which she founded when she was 11 years old.  Under the K.A.R.E. umbrella, she has spearheaded countless grassroots projects, including anti-bullying, animal rights and homelessness initiatives, as well as created opportunities for kids to involve themselves in physical activity and community gardening.  

Meanwhile, Mila an active resident of the Downtown Eastside community, was given the award for her volunteer work as a youth mentor at the Saint James Music Academy - a community program offering free classical music instruction to children and youth at risk - and her ongoing support of the Union Gospel Mission.

The $2,500 scholarship (to be used towards each winner's post-secondary education) recognizes students who have maintained good academic standing and demonstrated exceptional leadership through a commitment to affecting positive change in their communities.

"It is truly inspirational to see the philanthropic work that students across the province are undertaking both at home and internationally," said former Vancouver Canuck Trevor Linden. "We are extremely proud to offer financial support for these remarkable individuals."

Since its introduction in 2008, the Trevor Linden Community Spirit Scholarship has awarded $50,000 to 20 graduating students from across British Columbia.

After receiving in excess of 350 applications, the four recipients were selected by a six-person CFKF committee led by the scholarship's namesake.  Spanning from the Lower Mainland to Elkford, this year's winners set an exceedingly high standard, displaying outstanding initiative and passion to both identify and address needs within their local and global communities.