Warsaw Chess Students Excel In National And State Championships

April 30, 2024 at 7:21 p.m.
Pictured (L to R) are Sawyer Schlemmer, Liam Allen, Asher Reneker, Anastasia DeRuntz and James Whitehead. Photo Provided
Pictured (L to R) are Sawyer Schlemmer, Liam Allen, Asher Reneker, Anastasia DeRuntz and James Whitehead. Photo Provided

By Staff Report

Warsaw Community Schools announced the Madison Elementary School chess team emerged as the national champion in the third-grade unrated section at the National Elementary Chess Championship held in Columbus, Ohio.  
The team included Anastasia DeRuntz, Asher Reneker, Liam Allen, James Whitehead and Sawyer Schlemmer, according to a news release from WCS.

    Pictured are Azra and Maryam Anwar. Photo Provided
 
 

Jay Bolduc, Madison and Washington’s chess sponsor, said, "Pursuing dreams is one of the pillars of the WCS mission statement. Sometimes a dream can come true when one is not even looking for one. Two months ago, competing at nationals wasn't even on our radar, now we're national champs. Interest, hard work, perseverance, a little luck and a lot of fun can go a long way!"
In addition to the team's victory, several students also earned individual awards. Asher Reneker placed sixth, Liam Allen ninth and James Whitehead 10th. Anastasia DeRuntz and Sawyer Schlemmer also performed commendably, securing 14th and 18th places.
Furthermore, this past weekend at the Scholastic Chess of Indiana Girl’s Championships in Jeffersonville, Washington STEM Academy's Azra and Maryam Anwar showcased their talents. Azra tied for first but took second due to rating technicalities, and Maryam secured fourth place.


Warsaw Community Schools announced the Madison Elementary School chess team emerged as the national champion in the third-grade unrated section at the National Elementary Chess Championship held in Columbus, Ohio.  
The team included Anastasia DeRuntz, Asher Reneker, Liam Allen, James Whitehead and Sawyer Schlemmer, according to a news release from WCS.

    Pictured are Azra and Maryam Anwar. Photo Provided
 
 

Jay Bolduc, Madison and Washington’s chess sponsor, said, "Pursuing dreams is one of the pillars of the WCS mission statement. Sometimes a dream can come true when one is not even looking for one. Two months ago, competing at nationals wasn't even on our radar, now we're national champs. Interest, hard work, perseverance, a little luck and a lot of fun can go a long way!"
In addition to the team's victory, several students also earned individual awards. Asher Reneker placed sixth, Liam Allen ninth and James Whitehead 10th. Anastasia DeRuntz and Sawyer Schlemmer also performed commendably, securing 14th and 18th places.
Furthermore, this past weekend at the Scholastic Chess of Indiana Girl’s Championships in Jeffersonville, Washington STEM Academy's Azra and Maryam Anwar showcased their talents. Azra tied for first but took second due to rating technicalities, and Maryam secured fourth place.


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