Students at Centre Avenue School in East Rockaway are sharpening their minds and making new friends, one chess move at a time. Led by teacher Dr. Christian Soto, the school's Chess Club gives fifth and sixth graders a chance to build strategic thinking skills while enjoying friendly competition before the school day begins.

The club meets every Monday and Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m., bringing together students of all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced players. During each session, students pair up for games, experiment with new strategies and learn from one another in a relaxed, supportive environment.

While the students enjoy challenging their friends across the chessboard, the club also helps them develop valuable skills that extend beyond the game. Chess encourages patience, problem-solving and critical thinking, while teaching students the importance of good sportsmanship and how to handle both victories and defeats with grace.

For Dr. Soto, the most rewarding part of leading the club is watching students grow as players and individuals. As they master new strategies and gain confidence in their abilities, students discover that chess is about much more than winning. It's about thinking ahead, learning from mistakes and enjoying the challenge along the way.