Young Chess Players Pioneer Hardesty Library Chess Program

 By Dean Clark and Susan Henley

After a very successful 2005 summer chess program initiated by two Cascia Hall Chess Club and Team members Jeremiah Henley (Cascia Hall junior), Jordan Swartz (Cascia Hall sophomore), as well as Daxon Chapman (Bishop Kelly freshman) that had 20 young chess enthusiasts ranging in age from 5 to 13, a second expanded summer program was planned last spring.  All three young instructors have been multiple Oklahoma state chess champions, and have attended multiple national competitions.  Unfortunately Daxon Chapman moved out of state in June, but Jeremiah and Jordan proceeded with the program, with the assistance of the Friends of the Hardesty Library and Hardesty  approval.  With a waiting list carried forward from last year and word of mouth, the program expanded to 30 students, and still had a waiting list!

Fortunately for the program, additional Oklahoma Scholastic Chess Organization members Charles Unruh (Jr. ?) and David Luscomb volunteered during the July classes when Jordan had prior commitments, and at the tournament, attended by nearly 60 excited students and parents.

The culminating event of both the 2005 and 2006  2 month programs held in June and July was the real chess tournament.  Jordan's mother Michele Swartz, a Tournament Director, paired the players. National Chess Master Chuck Unruh returned and analyzed  the young chess player matches and played them in friendly games of chess, as he did at the 2005 end of program tournament.  He also made the trophy and medal presentations at the conclusion of both tournaments.  The Tulsa World newspaper wrote articles and published photos from both programs.

The Hardesty Library plans to continue the chess program as a regular summer program and has already booked the chess rooms for summer 2007, much to the delight of the parents of the young chess players, who are convinced this is one truly worthwhile program.  Many educators are convinced that early development of chess skills help children in areas of concentration and acquiring science and math skills.  Congratulations to Jeremiah and Jordan for their service to the community and for founding a program that seems to have an unlimited future that will benefit many Tulsa area youth!  With the continued interest and support of the Oklahoma Scholastic Chess Organization and the Hardesty Library, this seems like a sure bet.