Editor’s note: In partnership with The Journal, teacher Jeff Cardy challenged his Grade 8 class at St. Michael’s Catholic School to write their own newspaper reports. This is the second in a three-part series.
Benton DeGurse
Special to The Journal
Students from all over the county prepared for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board’s annual Chess Tournament, which took place on March 7 at St. Matthew’s Catholic School.
The tournament featured some of the best young, chess-playing talent in Sarnia-Lambton.
Chess is expanding all over as more students join school clubs. At St. Michael’s Catholic School in Bright’s Grove, a record high 50 students joined the club this year.
“It’s amazing to see the excitement throughout the school over chess. It is becoming the most popular club in the school,” said chess coach Max Zangolli.
Each year the tournament gives students an opportunity to show their improvement. Strategy is a huge part of the game, and teaching students new moves can lead to tournament success.
Last year, the four-move checkmate proved to be the most successful strategy, as it won many games through all divisions.
“I used four-move checkmate to win four out of my seven games last year,” said club member, Morgan Soper. “It helped me finish in third place.”
This year, students played between six to eight games over the day with medals awarded to the top three positions in each age group.
Trophies were also presented to the top junior and intermediate division winners and the top girls’ team.
This tournament gives students a comfortable and challenging environment in which to play the game they love.