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Ben Carson builds chess tradition

Playing chess is starting to become a tradition at Benjamin Carson High School. Since 2016, the school has hosted a chess club. This year 10 students enjoy the competitiveness of this classic game.

Chess club “ helps me make new friends and gain new experiences,” sophomore Shantoria Rice said. 

BCHS Chess Club is not only an afterschool program but students play in competitive tournaments. They also gain strategy skills, learn to be patient, and it challenges players to use their analytical skills. 

BCHS student Canaan Thomas participates in chess tournament at Bunche Preparatory Academy in Detroit. Photo courtesy of Kwesi Mathews.

“Chess is a great game for anyone to learn, it helps with critical thinking, problem solving, long and short term planning, “ said BCHS Chess Club coach Kwesi Matthews. 

BCHS Chess Club has been successful. Last year the club competed at a national tournament in Schaumburg, Illinois, outside Chicago. The club has been to two Detroit Metro Scholastic Chess League tournaments this year. Winning eight of out 10 matches in the first tournament. 

“We have had some success, it’s just another way we can show school pride and having students getting involved so our program can expand,” Matthews said.

“Chess is a culmination of teamwork and perseverance,” senior Mirazul Haque said. 

Chess Club allows BCHS students to feel part of a team. 

“We feel close enough to be family, but sometimes we disagree,” Rice said.

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