Young Minds Shine at Eastern Sierra Scholastic Chess Tournament

Students from across the Eastern Sierra gathered for a day of strategy, concentration, and friendly competition at the March 22nd scholastic chess tournament hosted by the Eastern Sierra and Home Street Middle School Chess Clubs. A total of 29 students from nine public schools, four charter schools, and several home school programs stretching from Lone Pine to Mammoth Lakes participated in the event. The tournament celebrated both the growing interest in chess across the region and the dedication of students eager to test their skills on the board.

Players competed in four rounds of games, with each match lasting up to 30 minutes. The tournament featured two divisions: Grades K–6 and Grades 7–12. Throughout the afternoon, students demonstrated impressive focus, sportsmanship, and problem-solving as they faced off in thoughtful battles of strategy.

In the Grades K–6 section, top honors went to Sierra Itharaju (1st, Owens Valley Elementary), Lachlan Huizar (2nd, Lo-Inyo Elementary), Patrick Deaver (3rd, Mammoth Lakes Middle School). In the Grades 7–12 section, the top finishers were Zavion Cokeley (1st, Bishop Union High School), Ethan Shen (2nd, Mammoth High School), and Owen Bacock (3rd, Sky Mountain Charter School). Awards included trophies and cash prizes ($100/$50/$25) in each division.

A generous donation from the Rotary Club of Bishop covered tournament expenses, which allowed organizers to offer free registration to all participants and focus on creating an inclusive event for students throughout the region. With strong participation and exciting matches, organizers hope the tournament will become a regular opportunity for young chess players in the Eastern Sierra to gather, compete, and continue developing their skills