Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) held its annual winter chess tournament on February 1 at Henry E. Lackey High School, attracting 150 enthusiastic participants from kindergarten through 12th grade. Competitors played against peers of similar grade levels, and during breaks between their official matches, students engaged in friendly pick-up games in designated practice areas set up outside the cafeteria. Eighth grader Ethan Claggett from Piccowaxen Middle School described his passion for chess, noting, 'It requires a lot of strategy and critical thinking.' Claggett emerged as the champion in the eighth-grade division, alongside his friend Nathaniel Irwin, who has also participated for several years. 'Why stop now?' Irwin said, expressing their commitment to continue refining their skills for future tournaments. The competition featured four rounds of grade-level play, with champions from each grade receiving trophies, while medals were awarded to all other participants. Felix Cummings served as the tournament director. Charles County Public Schools proudly serves 28,162 students across 38 schools, emphasizing a challenging, technologically advanced education focused on character building, leadership, and preparation for life and career. The school system promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities for all students, maintaining a nondiscriminatory policy in its programming and employment practices.
