The lack of Mr. Pocock, the previous pre-calculus teacher, also means the lack of something else: chess club. Without Mr. Pocock, who is to lead the chess club and give all the chess players a break from the monotonous tasks of school? Well, an answer has presented itself quite quickly, and, hopefully, the answer can be initiated soon. Two teachers have been debating restarting the chess club. Mrs. Scott, the new media specialist and previous sixth-grade English teacher, would be supplying the chess board for the club if the idea goes through. Although nothing is confirmed or verified through the office, I am hopeful that students may be able to reinstate the club in the near future. Neither the location nor the start date are confirmed because of this. Although the audience for the chess club is the students, there are also teachers who want the chess club to flourish. Mrs. Barker, our Geometry teacher, stated that she thinks the chess club is a good idea, and she would be more than willing to learn how to play chess in order to participate in this activity. In addition, Mrs. Dubois, the head of the choir department, has expressed great interest in chess.

     Now, some may ask, “What is the benefit of having a chess club?” A reasonable inquiry and I have just the thing to satiate these questioning minds. According to the National Institute of Health, people who play chess tend to have improved cognitive abilities. “In addition, chess helps improve coping skills, one’s capacity to solve problems, and socio-affective development in children who play it.” Chess club also gives a safe space for whoever needs one, regardless of whether it’s chess-related. Along with these benefits, most adolescents enjoy getting a break from school work, and chess allows them to achieve that while also being beneficial to their education; in addition, chess may also help children develop friendships with others who share a common interest. Chess gives people the ability to de-stress. Chess also helps improve concentration and planning, which are essential in order for a child. Without phones, some kids may not have a constructive outlet to spend their free time. Chess may also see more players because of this; however, even with all these benefits, some may see chess as a negative impact on a child’s school life. Some students may argue that chess distracts children from more “productive” activities, such as studying or reading. Some students may also state that chess is just a game and disagree with the fact that chess is mentally stimulating in a positive way. Chess is just a board game, but the way the game plays forces the players to think critically and plan future events. Whether you enjoy chess and are an avid supporter of the chess club or you think it is a waste of time, the reawakened chess club may be on the horizon.