What a Great Tournament !!!

For three years in a row, the McMillan Chess Team participates in the District Chess Championship sponsor by the Title I Administration. The 2009-2010 Title I Chess Championship was once again a complete success. More than 840 kids participated (new record) in different categories from K all the way through 12 grade. Teachers, students, parents and administrators had a great time thanks to Title I Administration who provided like every year three important things: 1st- A well organized Chess Tournament, 2nd - Prices for all students competing such as chess books, DVDs, chess boards, etc and 3rd - Provided two great hosts -Alexandra Kosteniuk who is currently the Women's World Chess Champion and -our Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho who has not missed these Championships in the past and who is always showing his support to all coaches and students.

Finally on another positive note Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho in his Welcome Speech acknowledged how important is to teach and learn chess and how Chess is all about making students use "Critical Thinking", which is in fact what we try to do with our students everyday in our classrooms.

Here I am sharing some pictures of the Tournament.

From left to right, Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho, Mr. Diez (Chess Facilitator at McMillan) and Alexandra Kosteniuk (current Women’s World Chess Champion since 2008) )

 Alexandra Kosteniuk (autographing her book "Diary of a Chess Queen") and Mr. Diez (Chess Facilitator at McMillan Middle School) 

Mr. Diez (Chess Facilitator at McMillan) and his good friend Eduardo Barreiro from Title I Chess Administration

Alexandra Kosteniuk (current Women’s World Chess Champion since 2008) playing a simultaneous at the Title I Chess Championship

And now some pictures of the McMillan Chess Team

Edward Nammur getting ready for the first round

Kevin Saenz waiting for his/her opponent in the 2nd round

 Nelson Vega was very happy before the first round

Nathan Larrea was trying to concentrate for his game

Carlos Barraza getting ready for his first game

Francisco Concepcion (who got the best score of the team) getting ready for the first round

Josue Barban warming up for the first round.

The McMillan Chess Team: from left to right, Josue Barban, Francisco Concepcion, Edward Nammur, Kevin Saenz, Nelson Vega, Nathan Larrea and Mr. Diez (Note: Carlos Barraza left before the picture)