Gupta excels
Local eighth grader takes high school course work and ranks in state, national education competitions

Nathan Gupta studies up for Science Olympiad competition.

Most people have an academic specialty, but a select group of students excel in whatever subject they study. Gulf Breeze Middle School's (GBMS) Nathan Gupta is one of those rare few.

If you can answer the question : "Geothermal activity caused by diverging tectonic plates creates streaming hot springs in Thingvellir National Park. This national park is in what island country - Iceland, Japan or Madagascar?" You just might be ready for the Geographic Bee.

If you can build a quality presentation board, write a detailed research paper with at least 20 sources and give an oral presentation on the entire project, you might be ready for National History Day.

If you can analyze a crime scene, chemically identify clues and then solve the crime, you might be ready for Science Olympiad.

If you can do all three you might be Nathan Gupta.

Gupta, 13, is going to statewide competition for National History Day May 3 and 4, placed within the top 20 at state with the Geography Bee and will go to National competition May 18 and 19 with his Science Olympiad team.

"Right now has been crunch time for all of them," Gupta said.

The eighth grader participated in state Science Olympiad competition March 23 and state Geography Bee competition March 29.

Gupta is well known among his instructors as a kind young man who is always willing to go the extra mile.

"Nathan is just a phenomenal student. He's very sharp," said GBMS history teacher Grace Freeman. "He's very sharp and he's very mature. He cares about his work an is always looking for perfection. Every kid can't be like that, but we sure with they could."

Despite the early academic success, Gupta is able to keep a level head.

"There's not an arrogant cell in his body," said GBMS science teacher and Science Olympiad Coach Deborah Cathey.