Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) held its annual fall chess tournament on October 12 at Thomas Stone High School. The tournament, which drew 154 student competitors, featured participants from kindergarten through 12th grade. This event offered an opportunity for students to showcase their skills, with peers playing in grade-level divisions. The event marked a highlight in CCPS’s extracurricular calendar, aimed at promoting strategic thinking and friendly competition among students.
The chess tournament was structured to ensure a balanced and enjoyable experience for all participants. Students were grouped to play against those within their own or neighboring grade levels. The competition consisted of four rounds in each grade-level division, where students battled for the champion title. While the games took place in the school cafeteria, practice areas were available outside for students to engage in pick-up games between rounds.
Felix Cummings served as the tournament director, overseeing the event to ensure a smooth and competitive experience. At the conclusion of the tournament, one champion was named from each grade-level division, with the top performers receiving trophies. All other participants were awarded medals for their effort and participation.
The tournament crowned the following students as champions in their respective grade divisions:
- Kindergarten: Mark Foster III, Billingsley Elementary School
- First Grade: Maia Rivera, Dr. James Craik Elementary School
- Second Grade: Grant White, C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School
- Third Grade: Carter Baker, Dr. James Craik Elementary School
- Fourth Grade: Dan Leontie, Dr. James Craik Elementary School
- Fifth Grade (tie): Tessie Castellon, Indian Head Elementary School
- Fifth Grade (tie): Muhammad Rayyan, Arthur Middleton Elementary School
- Sixth Grade: David Trout, Theodore G. Davis Middle School
- Seventh Grade: Sebastian Dominick Estonactoc, Theodore G. Davis Middle School
- Eighth Grade: Lionel Saravia, Mattawoman Middle School
- Ninth Grade (Freshman): Chase Reynolds, St. Charles High School
- Tenth Grade (Sophomore): Joshua Butson, North Point High School
- Eleventh Grade (Junior): Nicholas Valle, North Point High School
- Twelfth Grade (Senior): Caleb Rogalski, La Plata High School
The fall chess tournament is one of two annual tournaments hosted by CCPS. The upcoming winter chess tournament is scheduled for Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Henry E. Lackey High School. It will once again be open to students from kindergarten through 12th grade, giving another opportunity for students to compete for the title of chess champion in their respective grade divisions. Registration for the event will be available through the CCPS website, www.ccboe.com, closer to the tournament date.
The chess tournaments hosted by CCPS aim to foster intellectual development and strategic thinking in students, offering them a platform to engage in competitive play while promoting sportsmanship. As chess continues to grow in popularity within Charles County schools, these events serve as valuable opportunities for students to test and refine their skills, all while building confidence and camaraderie among peers.
