The tournament concluded an eight-week chess program with tailored lessons for beginners and advanced players, taught by Think Together staff. The event featured five rounds of competitive play, with trophies awarded to top players in each grade group: one for kindergarten, one for first and second grades, one for third and fourth grades, one for fifth and sixth grades, and one for seventh and eighth grades. In a memorable moment, Olive Middle School Language Arts teacher Erika Silva presented the seventh grade winner a unique, handmade chess set, which she crafted and donated. Silva, a dedicated teacher, creates custom chess sets for Olive Middle School’s library.
“This event is a wonderful way to celebrate our students’ hard work and dedication,” said Senior Director of Student Services, Noreen Iwai-Ito. “Chess teaches valuable skills like patience, problem-solving, and resilience, and we’re thrilled to see our students putting these skills into action.”
A full house of supportive family members, teachers, principals, and Superintendent Dr. Froilan N. Mendoza gathered to celebrate the students’ achievements. Dr. Mendoza helped distribute medals to all participants, who also received certificates for their dedication in reaching this final competition. The top players from each school qualified to participate, fostering an energetic atmosphere while emphasizing sportsmanship and mutual respect among participants.
For many parents, the tournament was a rewarding conclusion to weeks of practice and growth. “My son loves chess, he found something he enjoys and is really good at. He looks forward to practicing everyday,” said Jones Middle School parent Mr.Ruelas.
Tournament Winners
Kindergarten: Loc Tran
1-2 Grade: Ananda Muangsiri
3-4 Grade: Phuc Tran
5-6 Grade: Jacob Paramo
7-8 Grade: Qinyan Wang
Photos
2024Chess: 5th-6th Grade Tournament
2024Chess(1): 3rd-4th Grade Tournament
2024Chess(2): K-2nd Tournament
2024Chess(3): 7th-8th Grade Tournament
2024Chess(4): Kindergarten Winner Loc Tran
2024Chess(5): 1-2 Grade Winner Ananda Muangsiri
2024Chess(6): 3-4 Grade Winner Phuc Tran
2024Chess(7): 5-6 Grade Winner Jacob Paramo
2024Chess(8): 7-8 Grade Winner Qinyan Wang
2024Chess(9): Olive Middle School, Language Arts Teacher Erika Silva