After-school program teaches chess to youngsters

By Cherri Flinn, Marion Daily Republican

MARION -- Dr. Loren Taylor, Principal of Lincoln, said he is always looking for new activities for his students. In the past few years, Lincoln School has offered a variety of after-school and summer programs such as cartooning, Spanish, and computer classes. This semester he has added "Chess for Kids."

Taylor said a parent, Dave Gilchrist, came to him and asked to start the chess program. Gilchrist is the father of two young sons, Ian and Josh, 5 and 6 years old respectively. The boys have developed their father's love of the game.

During his college years, Gilchrist was the number one college player in Kentucky and his team at Murray State University was ranked number one in the US Open team Championships. He has also coached one young man to number six in the nation among the 10 year-old age bracket

Gilchrist's sons have competed at the state and national level in the last year. Both boys are at the top of their game and earned third-place honors by competing as a team at the National K - 12 Chess Championships in Orlando, Fla. in December.

Taylor said he is proud of the boys and was thrilled that Gilchrist wanted to share his expertise with the elementary school students.

"We purchased 25 chess sets and started the class with 26 students. Mr. Gilchrist had hoped for more but I told him that was a good number for the first time it is being offered," said Gilchrist.

The students taking "Chess for Kids" range in age from kindergarten to sixth grade and the classes began on Jan. 13. The course will run after school in one-hour sessions for 12 weeks.

Taylor feels that the program will help increase the students' academic performance. Taylor pointed out a study showing that programs using the arts enhance other skills such as reading, writing, and math skills.

"It's so great to play chess after-school," said fourth-grade student Levi Perry. "Everyone in my family plays chess, and I've been playing for two years. My dad taught me to play."

Another eager student chimed in, "I think it's fun and you can learn how to beat others at chess - but just for fun," said fifth-grader Daniel Gooch. "My grandpa and dad play chess but I'm just starting to learn. In this class I learned how to checkmate."

As the students left at the end of the third class, principal Taylor sat down to play a game of chess with Ian. After some head scratching and debating over whether a move could be played or not, the final outcome was a loss for Taylor who admitted that this wasn't Ian's first win against an adult. However, this was perhaps Taylor's first loss to a child.