April 02, 2004 - by Jessie White, Bancroft This Week 

Rameet Singh is what you call “well-rounded.”  This Grade 12 student is not only a talented artist, an excellent student who hopes to pursue science and eventually medicine at the university level, and an improv performer, but, with one step to go to get her black belt in karate, she’s also a good person to have around in dark alleys.
Ms. Singh, an 18-year-old North Hastings High School student, is the most recent recipient of the "Celebrate Youth Award", sponsored by the Community Futures Development Corporation of North & Central Hastings and South Algonquin.  The award was presented to the local student two weeks ago at the Community Futures office.
“This is really exciting; it motivates me in wanting to do more,” said Ms. Singh at the presentation.  “I feel honoured to have this award.”
Art Gallery of Bancroft Director Diana Gurley nominated Ms. Singh for the award, stating in her nomination letter that Ms. Singh was very deserving of recognition.  “Rameet has shown excellence in her artistic abilities,” said Ms Gurley.  “In addition, we are very impressed with her interest and dedication to offer her talents and time to other local community projects.”
Ms. Singh, whose artistic endeavours include painting, drawing and photography, has been involved in events at the Art Gallery of Bancroft for a number of years, winning first prize in a 2000 student art show and recently being one of the three young people to share their own show in the Gallery’s "3 in the Gallery" exhibition.  Ms. Singh also painted the mural in the NHHS cafeteria.
However, while she has become known around town for her artistic talents, Ms. Singh is planning a career that is more centered around science than creative endeavours.  “My plan is to get my BSc and go to York University or the University of Toronto, and then become some kind of doctor.”
Currently, Ms. Singh volunteers at the Faraday Animal Hospital, helping out after-hours with emergency cases, does literacy tutoring at her school, is involved in the CAVEAT program, and last year organized the "30-hour Famine" at NHHS.  Ms. Singh adds that her hobbies include karate, yoga, and working on her website, which features photographs of North Hastings.  The website address is:  http://community.webshots.com/user/rameet.
The "Celebrate Youth Award" is sponsored by the Community Futures Development Corporation of North and Central Hastings and South Algonquin to recognize local youth for their achievements in almost anything, including sports, community work or leadership.  Recipients of the award receive a gift certificate from Pizza Delight and a framed certificate.