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First annual “Chess Makes a Difference” Day

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Jonathan Herrera, a 6th grader at Gregg Anderson Academy, won 1st Place overall in the Main Section of the Chess Spectacular. Congratulations Jonathan! (All photos by Matt Mahowald)
Jonathan Herrera, a 6th grader at Gregg Anderson Academy, won 1st Place overall in the Main Section of the Chess Spectacular. Congratulations Jonathan! (All photos by Matt Mahowald)

By Daa Anne Mahowald of AV Chess House & Say Yes to Chess

Morgan Mahowald provides a teachable moment during the October 26 Chess Spectacular.
Morgan Mahowald provides a teachable moment during the October 26 Chess Spectacular.

PALMDALE – More than 50 people competed in or volunteered at the First Annual “Chess Makes a Difference” Day Chess Spectacular this past Saturday.

Participants from Acton, Lancaster, Lake Los Angeles, Palmdale, Quartz Hill, Rosamond and Van Nuys all joined together to experience a family activity in a friendly, supportive and learning environment.

There were three sections to the tournament: The Beginner Section, comprised of both adults and children, was facilitated by Daa Mahowald. The Adults Only Section was facilitated by Matt Mahowald.

The Beginners Section focused on learning how each chess piece moves.
The Beginners Section focused on learning how each chess piece moves.

And the Main Event, comprised of participants ages 3 to 63, was facilitated by Matt and Daa’s 22-year-old daughter, Morgan Mahowald.

The AV Chess House and its non-profit arm Say Yes to Chess organized and ran this chess tournament in conjunction with National “Make a Difference” Day October 26.

They intend for it to grow into a major annual event where hundreds of Antelope Valleyans participate.

Chess Spectacular Awards

Beginners Section

  • 1st Place (Tie) – Marcia Miller, Ibeth Reyes
  • 2nd Place (Tie) – Jessica Petersen, Leylany Reyes
  • Good Sportspeopleship – Rose Phillips

Main Section

  • 1st Place – Jonathan Herrera
  • 2nd Place – Louis Benites
  • 3rd Place – Raadhu Botorogeanu
  • 4th Place – Aaron Drew
  • 5th Place – Rajat Sharma
  • Good Sportspeopleship – Nvol Jenkins

Adult Only Section

  • 1st Place Ferenc Varga
Tournament winners gather in front of the AV Chess House banner for a group photo after the first annual "Chess Makes a Difference" Day Chess Spectacular's Awards Ceremony.
Tournament winners gather in front of the AV Chess House banner for a group photo after the first annual “Chess Makes a Difference” Day Chess Spectacular’s Awards Ceremony.

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Previous related stories:

National Chess Day Tourney draws 64

Chess event provides fun for 44 children

40 kids drawn to AV Chess Tournament

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The AV Times.

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Filed Under: Opinion