By Jillian

LIVINGSTON, NJ — A local elementary school student has proven himself to be among the elite young global minds, earning Grand Honors and international acclaim from the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth.

Samar Bhardwaj, an upcoming Burnet Hill Elementary School third-grader recently received the distinction after participating in the worldwide CTY Talent Search.

The assessment process included the rigorous School and College Ability Test (SCAT), designed to measure advanced mathematical and verbal reasoning skills in higher grade level students. He placed in the top 1% of all international participants, a staggering feat considering that roughly 16,000 students spanning more than 75 countries join CTY annually. 

Fewer than one percent of these high-achieving global test-takers achieve the scores required to earn Grand Honors, making Bhardwaj’s accomplishment exceptionally rare.

”I feel really happy and excited,” the young academic said of his achievement.

Being challenged by math and solving problems is what makes her son happiest, Nidhi Sharma added.

“I like chess for the same reason — you have to think ahead and find the best move,” Bhardwaj said. “Next, I want to get better at chess and learn even harder math that requires me to think harder.”

Sharma is extremely proud and happy for her son to be recognized in such a significant way, and says he has always been naturally drawn to numbers, patterns, and logic.

“He doesn’t always stop at knowing the answer; his persistence and desire to understand how things work were the earliest signs of the strengths we see in him today,” she said. 

The Center for Talented Youth utilizes specialized testing to identify advanced two through 12 grade learners, offering them a clear picture of their high-level capabilities.

According to CTY’s executive director Amy Lynne Shelton, PhD, this is not just recognition of students’ performance on one test, but a testament to their curiosity and capacity for learning.

Shelton encouraged the global honorees to continue seeking out challenging communities that stretch their knowledge, diversify their perspectives, and allow them to think critically.

As a direct result of Bhardwaj’s exceptional performance, the young Livingston scholar has earned exclusive access to CTY’s advanced, hands-on coursework, including specialized summer residential programs, day academies, and online programs ranging from robotics, technology, and coding to advanced mathematics and structural engineering.

Burnet Hill Elementary and Livingston Public Schools have played an important role supporting Samar’s academic growth, according to his mother.

“We are especially grateful for the Gifted and Talented (GT) Program, which has provided him an opportunity to be challenged beyond the regular classroom curriculum,” said Sharma. “And learn in an environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving and taking on challenges.”

The Livingston Public Schools District has long maintained a regional reputation for competitive academic standards and comprehensive enrichment programs. Bhardwaj’s worldwide recognition marks a major milestone for the student body at Burnet Hill Elementary, illuminating the success of local educators in cultivating early childhood potential.

With his official honors secured, Bhardwaj will enter the third grade this fall with a global network of peers and specialized academic resources at his fingertips. He has been cited as an inspiring example of Essex County youth academic dedication.

“We are interested in exploring the opportunities that John Hopkins offers and challenge him in a positive way, while ensuring that whatever he chooses leaves room to enjoy school, friends, family, and things that are important at his age,” said Sharma.