Students work out strategic moves

Aubrey Caires, a fifth grade student at Sand Ridge Elementary School, wasn't worried about whether or not her score counted, as long as she could play.

Aubrey, an alternate on the Sand Ridge chess team, was one of 108 elementary school students who gathered at Parkwood Elementary School Thursday to show their chess skills.

"I learned at school with my (Academically Gifted) teacher. I like that it teaches you a lot of different strategies and stuff," Aubrey said, explaining that chess has taught her various problem solving and game strategies. "It's made me happier in class."

Chess began in Onslow County Schools about five years ago after AIG Coordinator Ann Spangler attended a workshop about using the game in schools.

Initially it began as part of the "nurturing program," in kindergarten through second grade, where students are nurtured to being in the AIG program, Spangler said.

After the students were ready to move from second grade, third through fifth grades became involved, she said.

"It's just amazing; all kinds of skills are incorporated into it," Spangler said, explaining that students learn fair play, sportsmanship, student interaction and more from playing. "I love to see the kids quiet and know they're concentrating."

The auditorium where the students played was so quiet during the six, 20-minute matches, you could almost hear a pin drop.

Among those who participated was Abree Roberts from Blue Creek Elementary.

Abree began playing chess two years ago, and would recommend the "challenging" game to other students, she said.

"It can help them with some things and its challenging, and can make them work harder at things they want to do," said Abree who is in the fifth grade.

Kesley Ebbs, a fifth grade student, has learned patience from the game.

"It helps you think better, teaches you how to take your time," said Ebbs who attends Jacksonville Commons Elementary.

Kesley learned to play chess from his mom, who plays often.

Students also learn manners from the game, tournament coordinator Phyllis Venters said.

"They are not allowed to play chess like they would a baseball game. Even the parents are well behaved in chess," she said.

Through chess, students get a break from their math books for 20 minutes but continue learning, Venters said.

"The kids have become so much better than we are," she said, explaining that the students learn "focus, determination, determination, strategic planning, consequences of their actions, cooperation, collaboration and competition as gentlemen and ladies."

"They would skip lunch if we'd let them to play chess," Venters said.

Ankita Shroff, a fifth grade student at Northwoods Elementary, won first place in the individual competition. Kesley Ebbs, won second place, after a sudden-death match with Ankita. Silverdale Elementary student Jacob Martin won third place.

In the team competition, Parkwood Elementary won first place, Carolina Forest won second and Summersill Elementary won third.

Contact Jacksonville/Onslow County reporter Amanda Hickey at 910-219-8461 or ahickey@freedomenc.com.