Chess Club, Tournament Trophy and All Attendees

The Woods Academy would like to congratulate our many chess club attendees who represented the school at this year's Knights of Columbus Spring 2025 Charity Youth Chess Tournament. Attached is an image of this year's Woods Academy attendees. We would also like to celebrate the achievement of Aditya K. (Grade 2) who finished in first place for his age bracket at the tournament. Attached is an image of Aditya with his first-place trophy. In years past, The Woods Academy has had other students win awards, and we have also won team trophies. 

We offer two chess clubs at The Woods Academy, one for younger students and one for older students, each trimester. Many students try to fit this club in when it does not conflict with their other extracurricular activities. Chess can help enhance intellectual abilities, which apply to a wide range of academic subjects, regardless of the stage of brain development. Chess forces players to think ahead, evaluate multiple outcomes, and make calculated decisions. Chess sharpens cognitive skills, particularly critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning. Furthermore, our chess clubs provide an environment where students can socialize and collaborate in a structured yet informal setting. In this club, students can bond over a shared interest, learn from one another, and build self-esteem and emotional development.

Whether or not students join chess clubs, they are welcome to attend the Knights of Columbus Chess tournaments in the future. Whether you win, lose, or draw your matches, it is a great experience. Students experience the thrill of competition in a constructive and supportive environment. This tournament emphasizes learning and growth, where the goal is not solely to defeat others but to improve as a player. In this setting, students can learn how to handle setbacks and adversity in a way that builds resilience and perseverance, qualities that will serve them well in all aspects of life. These social interactions and the healthy competition of a chess tournament teach valuable lessons in sportsmanship, respect, and handling victory and defeat with grace.