Boulter Middle School’s Checkmate III Chess Competition, held Friday, May 2nd, was a roaring success with a record-breaking 40 participants from all grade levels. This year marked the largest group we’ve had in three years, and the excitement was palpable as the students engaged in a fierce yet friendly battle of wits.
The competition followed a double-elimination format, making every game tense and thrilling. From the opening moves to the final checkmates, students showed incredible skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. The day was a perfect blend of competition and camaraderie, leaving everyone eager for the next challenge. As one student put it, "I hope they have this in high school. I love this day and I enjoyed it so much!"
Even our Assistant Principals were eager to get in on the action, taking time out of their busy schedules to catch a glimpse of the games. Assistant Principal Mrs. Watson even shared, “I’m here to watch this student, he amazes me in this game.” Their presence was a testament to the growing excitement and importance of chess at Boulter Middle School, and their support meant a lot to the students who participated.
Mrs. Vestal-Cook, who spearheaded the event, expressed her pride in the increasing interest in chess. She was amazed by how much the students have embraced the game and noted that it’s not just about winning or losing, but about the passion for strategy and the way students respect one another. The sportsmanship and camaraderie displayed during the event were truly inspiring.
This year’s competition had some unforgettable moments, and the top players showcased their incredible skills. Adrian Zavala (8th Grade) took the top spot, clinching first place with precision and focus. Miguelangel Zavala (8th Grade) secured a strong second place finish, while Ricardo Reyes (7th Grade) earned third. Isaac Hernandez, a 6th grader, rounded out the top four with an impressive performance.
Isaac Hernandez - 6th Grade - 4th place
Ricardo Reyes - 7th grade - 3rd place
Miguelangel Zavala - 8th grade - 2nd place
Adrian Zavala - 8th grade - 1st place
These four outstanding competitors will represent Boulter Middle School at the Checkmate Challenge: Rise of the Rooks on May 7th, 2025, where they will face new challenges and test their skills against other top chess players from our district middle schools.
A big thank you goes out to the sponsors who made the event possible: Lourdes Marie Bakery, the Filipino-Americans of East Texas Group, Mr. Justin Simmons, Ms. Kourtney Ratcliff, and Mr. Jonathan Cook. Your generosity and support helped make this event such a success. Special thanks also to Tyler Trophy for providing the medals, which were awarded to the top finishers in recognition of their hard work and achievement.
As the tournament concluded, it was clear that chess is more than just a game at Boulter—it’s a community. With growing interest in the sport, it’s safe to say that the future of chess at Boulter is bright, and we can’t wait to see what next year’s Checkmate competition will bring!