Chess Club sparks friendly competition among students

Special to ViewMembers of the Trinity International School Chess Club play a game of chess on a giant chessboard on the patio outside the seventh floor of the Molasky Corporate Center during a downtown field trip on Nov. 13. Advertisement

In its inaugural year, the chess club at Trinity International School has about 10 participants. With a total school enrollment of about 150 children, that's a pretty good turnout.

The club was organized by UNLV political science instructor Dean Dupalo earlier in the academic year when he began teaching the English as a second language classes part time at Trinity, 2525 Emerson Ave. Each Friday, the group meets in a classroom to practice chess and learn strategy.

While still ironing out the details, Dupalo approached the president of UNLV's chess club, James Bayburt, to assist the students in learning chess. Dupalo's intent was to have Bayburt come out once or twice to mentor. Instead, the doctoral candidate helped with the chess club the entire semester.

"He didn't have to do any of it," Dupalo said.

Originally from Turkey, Bayburt came to UNLV to be a graduate assistant under computer science professor Fatma Nasoz.

"I jumped into it. I was very lucky," Bayburt said.

While living in Istanbul, Bayburt grew bored with the crowded city and wanted a change. When he heard about Nasoz's need for an assistant, he was excited to move to Las Vegas.

"It's calmer here," Bayburt said. "I like it so much."

At UNLV, Bayburt became the president of the chess club, a game he's played for about 10 years. After Dupalo asked him to help out, Bayburt came to his first meeting. He noticed most of the students didn't know how to play chess, and he wanted to help them learn.

"Chess improves the strategical thinking, and I believe it will also help them in their classes," Bayburt said.

Hyun Bae Son, a ninth-grader who is originally from South Korea, participates in the club.

"Last year, I learned chess from another teacher," Hyun Bae said.

He wanted to join the club when he heard about the opportunity.

"I like to play chess," Hyun Bae said.

Sitting in an office with the Bible DVD Game sitting on the desk, Hyun Bae and classmate Brittany Yarbrough, 15, talked about their experiences with the chess club.

"I love to play chess, and I wanted to learn more about it," Brittany said.

That comment sparked a little friendly competition between the two students, each saying they were better at chess.

"I actually haven't beaten him yet," Brittany said.

"Yeah, it's true," Hyun Bae said with a smile.

Both agreed that Bayburt's help really made the difference in their club, though, even if the matter wasn't settled of who is a better player.

"I think it's amazing that somebody wanted to take the time out and come help us," Brittany said.

For more information about Trinity International School, call 732-3957. The campus serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Contact View education reporter Laura Emerson at lemerson@viewnews.com or 380-4588.