Paul Hervey '87

Our school district in Ohio does not have as many opportunities for extracurricular activities as some others. We have found that cost is a barrier to many families in giving their children these opportunities. We decided as a family to start a district chess club last fall and to make it free. (Other than playing a little chess at DCDS, I have no experience, but have an interested child.) Expecting perhaps a dozen students to show up, imagine our surprise when 84 students from all grades showed up the first night! Eighty percent of these children had never played a game of chess before, but with organizational work and volunteering from some other parents, we have been able to put together a weekly activity for children of all ages at no cost to them. We donated seed money and conducted fundraisers to keep operations going. We have 15 students willing to show what they have learned by participating in regional chess tournaments, including one who won a recent event. The children learn how to win and lose with class, to meet students from other buildings and grades, and to have fun learning the game and teaching it to their family members. It is fulfilling to know that one can make a positive difference in a family's life in such a fun way.