A group of Mars Area Centennial School students in Jennifer Bradel’s sixth grade class have started a Chess Club at the school.

 

The students, led by sixth-grader Teagan Thomas, submitted a proposal for creating the club to building principal Adam Kostewicz.

 

“I like how the game makes your think. If you think too much, you lose,” says Thomas, who was “inspired” to get into chess after watching chess competitions on YouTube. “I wanted to expand it from a classroom activity to the whole school."

 

Kostewicz approved the club and purchased some chess boards and timers. Chris Churilla, club advisor, obtained some additional used chess boards for the students to use. More than 100 students signed up for the Chess Club, which meets before school. Fifth grade club members can gather to play on Day 3 and sixth-graders on Day 2.

 

The school hopes to hold a competition before the end of the school year. For more information, call (724) 625-2601.