TORONTO, July 17, 1998 -- Three young, altruistic advocates, one for head injury victims, one for the environment, and one for the hungry and homeless, have chosen York University to pursue their studies after being awarded Canada Trust scholarships.

Following a life threatening brain injury, Megan Breitkreuz, 18, from Okanagan Falls, British Columbia, successfully lobbied the B.C. government for $2 million in funding to support head injury victims. Farrah Byckalo-Khan, 19, from Burlington, Ontario, founded the Environment and Community Help Organization (ECHO) to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill sites. Megan Murphy, 19, of Peterborough, Ontario, said she couldn't understand why her school cafeteria threw away surplus food while homeless people in her community went hungry -- so she decided to do something about it.

The Canada Trust scholarship recognizes outstanding community leadership. Each scholarship is valued at more than $50,000 and includes full tuition, $3,500 in living expenses and an offer of summer employment with Canada Trust for the duration of undergraduate study.

The Recipients:

Megan Breitkreuz is a tireless spokesperson for the South Okanagan Head Injury Society, and was chosen "Miss Kinsmen" by the B.C. Kinsmen Club. Breitkreuz acts as a peer counsellor and tutor at Penticton Secondary School, where she shares her message of perseverance and determination.

"I've learned you have to give people a chance in life," said Breitkreuz. "You shouldn't be too quick to judge other people on what they can or cannot do."

An accomplished saxophone player and an aspiring music teacher, Breitkreuz chose York University for its innovative Fine Arts Music Program and because she wanted to follow in the steps of her school music teacher, Jim Knowler, a York University Alumnus (BFA `87).

Farrah Byckalo-Khan is an eco-warrior in the making. She organized an annual Halloween jack-o'-lantern collection drive, diverting more than 25 tonnes of smiling pumpkins from landfill to organic composting facilities. She recently returned from the Costa Rican rainforest with the Bronte Creek Project School. She has been with Girl Guides for 12 years, five of them as a Girl Guide leader, and has been a member of Rovers for the last two years.

She is also a vocal spokesperson for the Rape Crisis Centre in Halton Region and has organized several fundraising concerts to help fund the centre. She has participated in the Take Back the Night women's march in Toronto.

"I feel blessed that I can be a role model for other young women," said Byckalo-Khan.

Byckalo-Khan is joining York University's Faculty of Environmental Studies (FES) and hopes to pursue women's studies at York in the future.

Megan Murphy, together with a local caterer, organized a service to deliver her school's surplus food to a nearby men's homeless shelter. She also helps to coordinate the local Thanksgiving food drive.

"I am thankful for everything I have," said Murphy. "The philosophy I live by is to have compassion towards people less fortunate than me."

A member of the student council executive at St. Peter's Secondary School in Peterborough, Murphy was instrumental in raising more than $32,000 for the Terry Fox Cancer Research Campaign -- the largest amount raised by a Canadian school. She has also volunteered at the rehabilitation unit at St. Joseph's Hospital in Peterborough for the past four years.

Murphy is pursuing her studies at York University's Fine Arts Program in Theatre this fall where she says she can pursue her love of acting.

"These young adults have demonstrated a keen sense of what it means to be model citizens," said York University President Dr. Lorna Marsden. "Their selflessness and commitment to the well being of their community are personal qualities which should inspire all of us. We are delighted and proud they have chosen York University to pursue their academic goals and dreams."

Articulate, enthusiastic and full of tireless energy, Breitkreuz, Byckalo-Khan and Murphy are available for interviews in their respective home towns throughout the summer months, and in Toronto commencing the fall school term.

For more information, please contact:

Ken Turriff
Media Relations Officer
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22086
YU/049/98