MBE students excel at chess

Mountain Brook Elementary Chess Team was named the overall champion in the 2012 Christmas Chess Tournament. The team competed against 30 teams from around the state.

When asked how he felt about the team victory, Captain Jackson Nunneley enthusiastically volunteered, “Awesome!”

Players are matched by seed level for the competition. Individuals were also named as Birmingham City Champions by grade level, and MBE students won three of the eight awards given: Farley Nunnelley, kindergarten; Jackson Nunneley, first grade; and Jack Earnhardt, second grade.

“This is my first year at MBE, and playing chess helped me make friends fast,” team member Andrew Robertson said.

Member Fletcher Nunnelley said chess helps with puzzle solving, and Will Earnhardt added that it also helps with math.

For more information on how to get involved with chess, contact Dr. Brooks at the Knight School at 746-4952 or through theknightschool.com. The Knight School Chess Academy teaches chess and coaches teams, networking elementary schools including Mountain Brook schools, Altamont and Highlands Day School.