OPSB.net - Hamm wins Pinecrest All-School Chess Tournament

The annual Pinecrest All-School Chess Tournament was held January 23rd at the Fairfield Inn breakfast room in West Monroe. The 8th Grade Champion, Jerrod Hamm claimed the top prize with 6th grade Runner-up, Tim Head, taking home the same second place award in the All-School Tournament. Third place was won by 6th Grade Champion, Justin Hendrix. Other participants were 8th Graders Joseph Landry, Kendall Cotita, and Jordan Wood, 7th Graders Emilee Lenard and Jake McDuffie, and also 5th Grader Malynda Tyson. After the games, the group went next door to the Cracker Barrel Restaurant for an evening meal. A great time was enjoyed by all.

This event at Pinecrest originally involves all students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, culminating in the All-School Tournament. Medals are awarded to the top three winners. The students benefit from playing as the games require the development of higher-level thinking skills involving strategy, focus, and modifying a plan to reach a goal, in addition to the game being just plain fun. Good sportsmanship and friendship are also developed while playing the game of Chess.