'It's an awesome game.' McKinley Chess Club hosts tournament

Charita M. Goshay, The Repository
·1 min read
Arts Academy fourth grader Andrew Clark was one of two elementary students who competed in this year's Canton City School District Chess Tournament Fair at McKinley High School.
Arts Academy fourth grader Andrew Clark was one of two elementary students who competed in this year's Canton City School District Chess Tournament Fair at McKinley High School.

CANTON − A generation immersed in technology took part in some old-school, hands-on competition this week when McKinley High School hosted its second annual Canton City School District Chess Tournament Fair.

The tournament drew 30 competitors, including two elementary students, and eight teachers, said McKinley Chess Club adviser Shashi Gupta, who organized the event.

"High school is the perfect platform to teach chess," Gupta said. "The very first lessons you learn are commitment and problem-solving, with practice."

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Twenty-two students, including Remington McIntosh, recently competed in the 2023 CCSD McKinley High School Chess Tournament Fair hosted at the high school. Eight teachers also played.
Twenty-two students, including Remington McIntosh, recently competed in the 2023 CCSD McKinley High School Chess Tournament Fair hosted at the high school. Eight teachers also played.

Chess, she added, can build a strong network of friendships, as well as self-confidence.

Gupta said the club was started four years ago by McKinley Principal Jonas Wertin, but Wertin gives Gupta all the credit.

"She organized this whole thing. She's very passionate about it," he said. "One of the cool things is, it brings a lot of different people together. It's an awesome game that requires quick thinking and analytics. It's nothing but a positive for education."

Gupta said members of the club who commit to two years of activity are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship.

Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com.

On Twitter: @cgoshayREP

Students participate in the 2023 Canton City School District McKinley High School Chess Tournament Fair at the high school.
Students participate in the 2023 Canton City School District McKinley High School Chess Tournament Fair at the high school.
McKinley Chess Club adviser Shashi Gupta, right, goes over some of the rules prior to the 2023 Canton City School District McKinley High School Chess Tournament Fair held at the high school.
McKinley Chess Club adviser Shashi Gupta, right, goes over some of the rules prior to the 2023 Canton City School District McKinley High School Chess Tournament Fair held at the high school.
Students and teachers participate in the 2023 Canton City School District McKinley High School Chess Tournament Fair at the high school.
Students and teachers participate in the 2023 Canton City School District McKinley High School Chess Tournament Fair at the high school.
The 2023 Canton City School District McKinley High School Chess Tournament Fair drew 30 competitors, including eight teachers.
The 2023 Canton City School District McKinley High School Chess Tournament Fair drew 30 competitors, including eight teachers.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: McKinley High School hosts annual chess tournament