Front row, seated left to right: Nathaniel M., 8th grade, and Jarvis M., 8th grade. Standing, left to right, James V., 6th grade, Chris R., 8th grade, Brent T., 8th grade, Cedric F., 8th grade, and Cleveland W., 6th grade.
The Siwell Middle School Chess Team, sponsored by Mr. Danny Gatlin, competed in the U.S. Chess Federation’s National Junior High Chess Championship in Orlando, Florida, the last weekend of April. There were over 200 chess teams participating. In their division, Siwell finished 9th place in the nation in the team competition.

There were over 1,300 individuals in the 5 divisions, and trophies were awarded to the top 5 individuals. Four of Siwell’s 7 chess team members received individual trophies:

Jarvis M., grade 8, finished 6th place in the nation. Cedric F., grade 8, finished 20th in the nation. Cleveland W., grade 6, was awarded a special trophy for the second highest finish by an unrated player. Chris Ratliff, grade 8, was awarded a trophy for the third highest finish by an unrated player. Other noteworthy info…

Mr. James Morris serves as chess mentor to the students at Siwell. He has no children that attend that school but volunteers his time as a chess coach after hours. Mr. Danny Gatlin, their sponsor, is not paid to sponsor an extracurricular chess club. He and Mr. Morris, both do it out of their commitment to the students of JPS. They often meet at the public library in the evenings to study and improve their strategy.