[imagefield_assist|fid=16355|preset=fullsize|lightbox=true|title=Scholastic Coordinator Alex Vergilesov put on a simul and blindfold simul for the students at Incarnate Word in Chesterfield.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=700|height=447]
By Alex Vergilesov
The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis had another successful semester, teaching chess to more than 1,200 students across the greater Saint Louis area. Now that the holidays are here, our scholastic staff is regrouping to prepare for the busy Spring 2013 semester.
Some brand new chess clubs joined our program this semester including Incarnate Word, Andrews Academy, Reed School, Edgewood House, Rohan Woods, Fairview Intermediate, Word of Life (South City), Sorrento Springs, Roosevelt Elementary School, District 118 in Illinois, Palmyra High School, and Christ the King in University City.
With so many new schools, this Scholastic Coordinator was keeping busy this semester between coordinating our many chess instructors and teaching classes. One class I had the pleasure of instructing was at Incarnate Word in Chesterfield.
Over a period of eight weeks, I went out to the school to instruct 32 students in how to become better chess players, reap the educational benefits of chess, and to provide an opportunity for the students to compete. The students, surprisingly, all knew how to play before I even got started!
Following several week of tactics training, I began a class tournament. The Swiss tournament proved to be a perfect opportunity for students to put their chess skills to use. Students were astute in their understanding of how tournament chess works, with many games lasting past the allotted time of the class. Following the tournament, which took four weeks of classes, the students were given an opportunity to beat their teacher (me!) in a simultaneous and blindfold exhibition. Alas, the students of Incarnate Word will have to wait until next semester to best their teacher!
We'd like to extend many thanks to all of our new partners for helping us promote our educational mission. You could also help us reach new audiences by enrolling in the CCSCSL's Adopt-a-Student/Adopt-a-School Program. This holiday donation drive helps us provide funding for schools in Saint Louis that are struggling to provide educational after-school activities for their students.
Click here to donate to our Adopt-a-Student/Adopt-a-School Annual Giving Drive!
