Photos: Sierra Chess Club
Sierra 2-8 School in the Sunnyside Unified School District has Southern Arizona's largest chess club. School officials say that participating in chess not only helps children's brains engage but also provides a safe place for kids to be before and after school and during lunch.
Sierra Chess Club
A student gets ready to move his knight during a game as members of the chess club at Sierra 2-8 School, at 5801 S Del Moral, practice before school. They practice seven hours a week: before school, during lunch and at times, after school, said chess coach Wesley Yandell. The club is one of Southern Arizona's largest. The photo was taken on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, in Tucson, Ariz. A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
Sierra Chess Club
Fifth grader Yamilette Cruz, 10, left, makes a move against her opponent, sixth grader Emilio Puentes, 11, as members of the chess club at Sierra 2-8 School, at 5801 S Del Moral, practice before school. The photo was taken on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, in Tucson, Ariz. A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
Sierra Chess Club
Sixth-grader Emilio Puentes, 11, can’t quite let go of his piece during a game against coach Wesley Yandell. The chess club meets mornings and on lunches.
Sierra Chess Club
Eighth-grader Hussein Tasir, 13, left, watches as Luis Hernandez, 13, makes his move during a chess match before class at Sierra 2-8 School. The school’s chess club takes part in tournaments and has been recognized by the Sunnyside school district.
Sierra Chess Club
Coach Wesley Yandell believes the chess club offers a safe environment for students.
Sierra Chess Club
Students know exactly where they stand as participants in the Sierra 2-8 School’s chess club.
Sierra Chess Club
Zinedine Morales, 12, a seventh grader at Sierra 2-8 School, watches as his coach takes him to task during practice before the start of school. The students practice seven hours a week: before school, during lunch and at times, after school, said chess coach Wesley Yandell. The photo was taken on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, in Tucson, Ariz. A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
Sierra Chess Club
Eighth grader Luis Hernandez, 13, reacts after making a favorable move while he plays classmate Hussein Tasir, 13, as members of the chess club at Sierra 2-8 School, at 5801 S Del Moral, practice before the start of school. The photo was taken on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, in Tucson, Ariz. A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
Sierra Chess Club
Before school, eighth graders Sebastian Bueras, left, and Ryan Harper, both 13, play a chess match at Sierra 2-8 School, at 5801 S Del Moral. The club is one of Southern Arizona's largest. The photo was taken on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, in Tucson, Ariz. A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
Club has over 30 members and feels like family, coach says.
Proposal would give them to state Board of Education.
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