Snow Elementary Takes 1st in Dearborn Public Schools Chess Tournament

Fifteen elementary schools participated in this year's chess season, but in the end, it was the students at Snow Elementary School that took home bragging rights and the district championship title at the finals on March 19.

Students from the school joined others from Howard, Becker, and River Oaks elementary schools for the Dearborn Public Schools elementary district chess championship at the Administrative Services Center.

Snow came in first, with Howard, River Oaks and Becker coming in second through fourth, respectively.

Chess coordinator Linda Webb said the tournament is a fun activity that students look forward to every year.

"It's a great activity for all kids, and it pushes their critical thinking," she explained. "And you don't have to be an athlete to do it."

Webb, a staunch supporter of the district chess program, explained that the sport has waned in and out of popularity for decades in Dearborn schools. In recent years, it has picked up momentum again, with 15 schools playing in four groups. The four group winners each year make it to the championship rounds.

For more information about the chess program, email WebbL@dearborn.k12.mi.us.