Marianne Paton Pictured are this session’s chess volunteers and chess players, William Woodruff, Dominick Crews, Robert Thompson, Jessica Thompson, Drew Cullen, Blake Sanders, Cathy Rossman, Katie Rossman, Lorie Rossman, Gerry Rossman, Justin Crews, Noel Cicoria, Vallory Woodruff, Daisia Crews, Emma Cicoria, Sal Commillei, Skyler Burke, Camryn Frazier, TJ Clapp, Cody Newland, Dawson Proulx, Devon Russell, Stephanie Boyd, Logan Burke and Meagan Woodruff.

During a five-week period, 22 fourth and fifth grade students gather in the media center at Pine Island Elementary School each Wednesday to hone their chess playing skills. Using chess sets donated by the Pine Island Winn-Dixie and island residents, the students work diligently, learning from one another and ultimately will compete in a tournament where their abilities will be put to the final test.

According to the Chess Club overseer Richard Anderson, about 40 percent of the students are first introduced to the game at Chess Club.

“Many of the kids pair up with an experienced player who will teach them how to play,” said Anderson. “If the tutoring student has a question they cannot answer, we have several adult volunteers on hand each week to help out.”

The adult volunteers include William Woodruff, Lorie Rossman, Gerry Rossman and Mr. Romeo and his daughter, Amanda.

The Chess Club is conducted throughout the school year and is open to all fourth and fifth grade students attending Pine Island Elementary.