Birmingham school’s award-winning chess team gets support from councilwoman
By Joseph D. Bryant
November 05, 2012 at 9:34 AM
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Birmingham City Councilwoman Lashunda Scales gave new meaning to the term ‘check mate’ during a recent visit to W.J. Christian K-8 School School.
Scales arrived with $2,500 check from her council discretionary funds to support the schools’ award winning chess team.
“When principal Michael Davis approached our administration about supporting the continuation of this program, it was a no-brainer,” said Scales, whose district includes the school. “This program teaches students how to use critical thinking skills to capture their opponent while instilling valuable life skills to aid them in their future endeavors.”
The chess team last year became Alabama’s junior high team champion after winning a state tournament in Daphne.
The team is coached by Charles A. Smith, founder or Magic City Chess U.
Last year’s win marked the second time the team brought home a statewide trophy, following a 2008 state championship win.
In addition, in 2010 Christian student Sydney Morris became the Alabama State Scholastic Middle School Chess Champion. She then represented the state at the Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls in Lubbock, Texas.
“This is how we groom our youth into becoming productive members of society,” Scales said. “A program of this magnitude can only yield a fruitful return on the taxpayers’ investment for the preservation our communities.”
Source: http://blog.al.com
Fantastic!