A downtown Detroit elementary school has recently won a chess state championship. Again. I am sure that this must be surprising to those who believe that all Detroit public schools are blasted wastelands where intellectual capacity is non-existent.
The chess team at Walter Chrysler Elementary School in Detroit took home the state championship.
A large banner signalling the championship is hanging in front of the elementary school for the second year in a row. The chess team won the state championship for the K-5 division.
“I can’t even explain how happy I am for them,” chess coach Dereke Wilder said. “It’s phenomenal to see what these kids have accomplished these last two years.”
Inside the school, there are nearly 40 trophies won by the school’s chess team over the years, which was enough inspiration to get Mekhi Howald, to sign up for the team.
“Because I like winning trophies,” Mekhi said.
The team practices three days a week at school, plays at the Detroit Institute of Art once a week with the Detroit City Chess Club and participates in the local, state and regional competitions.
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