Good News In Schools

Jonesboro High School’s Royal Knights Chess Team is now ranked as the second strongest unrated/non-veteran team in the United States resulting from its performance during the National High School Chess Competition. They achieved this through a grueling seven rounds to conquer 31 other national teams. This annual event is organized by the United States Chess Federation (USCF) and was held this year at the Hyatt-Regency Hotel and Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, in April The highest rank the team had earned previously was third in 2008.

Out of the 141 players in the unrated/non-veteran section, three team members achieved top listings by the USCF in the Individual Standings. Top Jonesboro Chess Team member, Tuan Nguyen (senior), played so well (6-1) that the USCF has now certified him as the third strongest high school player in the U.S.

Tony Lee (senior) contributed 5.5 wins and played with enough distinction to achieve ninth in the nation. Thong Do (senior) contributed five wins and came in at an honorable 17th. Team member Carlos Cisneros (freshman) also helped by contributing three wins.

The team was without the services of the late Ayana Colbert, whose impressive work ethic and rugged determination launched her from mere beginner to earning second position on the Chess Team in about one year’s time. Colbert was the first African-American girl to earn elite status on the Jonesboro High School team. Mark McPherson, math teacher at Jonesboro High is the team sponsor and volunteer Keith Moncrief serves as chess coach.

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