Jaskaran Singh, a graduate of Queensborough Community College and dean's list honoree, was honored at a special gathering in Queens, New York, for his years of work uplifting youth through mentorship, leadership, and community engagement. The event brought together university students, nonprofit representatives, community leaders, and members of New York's Sikh and interfaith communities to emphasize the importance of student empowerment and mental health awareness.
According to the American College Health Association, more than 76% of college students report experiencing moderate to serious mental distress. Community leaders at the event underscored that mentorship, strong values, and positive educational environments are essential in helping students navigate these growing challenges. Singh's dedication to helping students succeed academically and personally through mentorship programs, multicultural outreach, and youth advocacy initiatives has made him a well-known figure in Queens academic and civic circles.
Representatives from Commonpoint, a major New York City nonprofit providing youth education, workforce development, mental health counseling, and family services, attended the event to support their former colleague and reaffirm his continued commitment to serving students and families throughout the city. The gathering also included Mr. Gurpreet Singh of Gatka Federation USA, an organization dedicated to teaching the ancient Sikh martial art and principles of discipline and self-development, along with several active and former student leaders from Queens.
During the program, Singh presented citations from a local government official and a United States Senator to two attendees in recognition of their service to the community and dedication to mentoring others. A highlight of the evening was a special presentation by Mr. Myles Parker of the L. Ron Hubbard Foundation and director of the historic Bay Head, New Jersey landmark where L. Ron Hubbard authored Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. In recognition of Singh's commitment to youth and community upliftment, he was presented with a commemorative 75th Anniversary leatherbound edition of Dianetics, acknowledging his efforts to promote educational growth, intercultural dialogue, and positive solutions for modern mental-health and social challenges facing students today.
The significance of this honor extends beyond Singh's personal achievement. It underscores a broader imperative for communities to support young leaders who address the mental health crisis among students. With over three-quarters of college students experiencing distress, initiatives that combine mentorship, cultural engagement, and mental health resources are critical. Singh's work, supported by organizations like Commonpoint and the L. Ron Hubbard Foundation, exemplifies how local advocacy can provide tangible solutions. The evening concluded with reflections on the importance of individuals who dedicate themselves to uplifting others without seeking recognition—a principle attendees said Singh has consistently embodied through nearly a decade of community and student advocacy.
