SHS Grade 4 student takes top prize in regional science fair two years running

His winning project on multiple sclerosis also has a humanitarian component. As part of his project, Bhavish organized a fundraiser at his school in which he and his classmates raised $182 for research into MS, while pursuing his goal to “spread the message about the disease.”

At the Expo, on May 10-12, Bhavish spent three days spreading the message to judges, visitors and television reporters. Information flows out of him in French and English with an ease and eloquence that is almost startling for someone of his age and stature. He came home with a gold medal in the Grade 3-4 category and a $250 cash prize and science games for winning first place overall among 150 students in the competition.

Last year he took first place overall for his project on cloning. Chantal Simard, Bhavish’s science teacher at Selwyn House says one of last year’s judges told Bhavish, “Come and see us when you graduate. We’ll have a job for you.”

Multiple sclerosis affects many people today and is becoming more widespread, Bhavish explains. There are four types of the disease, and specific symptoms vary from patient to patient. There is no cure at the present time, so doctors concentrate on relieving symptoms. “You don’t die from MS, but life becomes really painful,” Bhavish says. He predicts that science may find a cure for the disease within the next two years.

Where did he glean all this and much more? Is it a trick of technology? “The Internet is quicker,” Bhavish admits, “but I got a lot of information from books.”

Well, then, it must be in his genes. Are his parents Nobel laureates? No—his dad’s an accountant and his mother a research analyst.

And he’s no automaton. Bhavish is a well-rounded student who plays hockey and soccer, and is as good at teamwork as he is at solo projects. “It’s not like I’m a science nerd,” he says. “There are other things [in life].”

“He is a student who is interested in everything,” says Mr. Simard. “He likes to work in team, and has a very positive influence on his peers. He always has meaningful, constructive comments about others’ work. They like him.”

For instance, he says science is not his first choice for a future career. He would prefer to write fiction— preferably fantasy—for a living. But he’s philosophical about his ambitions. “When you’re young you have plenty of ideas of what you want to do,” he admits.

Back in class, he tackles the Grade 4 curriculum the same way his classmates do: one math problem at a time. Fortunately, he seems to be equipped with a healthy dose of self-confidence. “You have to push yourself and believe in yourself,” he says.

Does he believe in himself? “Yeah,” he says matter-of-factly. “You have to. If you don’t you won’t go anywhere.”

Bhavish has already gone far. Farther than most. And from here he can probably go anywhere he chooses.