Kids check in for local chess contest

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - West Lafayette elementary school students were kept in check at a local chess tournament.

Nearly 40 students from Cumberland and Happy Hollow Elementary Schools participated in the event.

The kids are members of the Cumberland and Happy Hollow Chess Club.

Those involved said the club isn't just about learning the game of chess.

Instructor and Chess Master Bernard Parham said chess can help students academically.

"I believe chess is excellent for the students in their school applications of math and reasoning, so they can play the game, master the geometries of the board and be able to apply their learnings to the mathematics of algebra and trigonometry," said Parham.

For club member Devin Ersoy, participating in the tournaments is also about meeting new people.

"It's very fun. It's like you're making new friends every single time you play with someone," Ersoy said.

Trophies were handed out to the top three finishers in three grade divisions. Everyone went home with a medal.