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SLS Chess Club Advisor Honored as CT’s Top Chess Organizer
The Connecticut State Chess Association (CSCA) recognized Upper School Math Teacher and Chess Club Advisor Alvin Hamilton as CT’s Top Chess Organizer. Hamilton serves as the Fairfield County Interscholastic Chess League Organizer, where he spearheads meetings, convenes teams, and is the official rule keeper, record keeper, treasurer, and scheduler. Founded in the 2020-2021 school year, the Fairfield County league started with just four schools competing. Under Hamilton’s leadership, the league has grown to 10 teams comprised of public and private schools from Tarrytown, NY to Bridgeport, CT. When asked how he felt about the recognition, Hamilton shared, “I was shocked that the award was coming to me!”
CSCA will host an award ceremony at their State Championship on Dec. 3 at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. While grateful for the recognition, Hamilton will not be able to attend; he will instead be coaching the squad as they compete against a team from Kenya.
Hamilton has served as the school’s Chess Club Advisor since coming to St. Luke’s in 2015, co-advising with Upper School History Teacher David Parsons for the first two years. “I have enjoyed the game for 60 years, and it is very rewarding to work with an enthusiastic crew of SLS students and to see the game appreciated by a new generation of players,” said Hamilton.
Students interested in learning more about St. Luke’s Chess Club are encouraged to join the fun. “Come by and see our practice,” Hamilton offers. “It can be serious, but usually, it is a raucous affair with good-natured ribbing and spirited play, often with chess clocks counting down the remaining time in close games, adding palpable suspense.”
The St. Luke’s Chess Club practices on Mondays and Thursdays during the school’s clubs/free period and participates in nine matches on Tuesday evenings from November to March. Currently, the team’s record is 2-1 and the players are working hard toward the league championship. Three team members are preparing for the 2022 National K-12 Grade Championships taking place December 9-11 in National Harbor, MD. The contingent St. Luke’s will bring to the event is the largest from any CT school.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
