100 lucky high-school seniors will benefit from a gift worth $1 million in scholarships courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A Inc. It was reported that the U.S. based Toyota group rewarded 100 high school seniors with $1 million in college scholarships for their dedication to education and public service at an awards dinner last week, May 9, 2008.

The lucky recipients, who make up the 12th class of Toyota Community Scholars, were selected from a group of over 8,000 students nationwide voted by their respective schools. Students should be proven leaders both in the campus and outside the four corners of their classrooms. The 2008 class was taught at an untimely period that "giving back" to the community was not an obligation, but, rather, a way of life according to the Auto Channel.

"When helping others, an incredible feeling is instilled in your veins. This feeling allows you to believe you have meaning in the world," explains one of the scholars, Jacob Rouse of Union, Ky.

For this year’s batch, their aspirations of making a difference has become a reality through programs varying from lifting $120,000 for the American Cancer Society to collecting over 3,000 pounds of food supplies that was delivered to teenagers at over 160 schools

"It is truly amazing to see what these 100 high school seniors have accomplished at such a young age. Their dedication both to academics and community service is an inspiration to all of us," says Michael Rouse, TMS corporate manager of philanthropy and community affairs.