A three-girl chess team
representing Broward County Public Schools Castle Hill Elementary School in
Lauderhill, placed second nationally at the 11th Annual Kasparov Chess
Foundation All-Girls National Championship in Chicago last week.
The Lauderhill school trio
of McKhaila McKenzie, Erykah Shaw and Shyan Braswell brought home a national
second-place ranking for teams under 12 after defeating fierce competitors from
public and private schools across the country. Many of the other girls competing
were supported by well-funded chess programs and had either master-level chess
coaches for personal or frequent group lessons.
Castle Hill girls’ secret
weapon was their dedicated teacher and coach, Robert McKenzie, who taught them
the game. McKenzie is a veteran teacher who has served at Castle Hill Elementary
for 18 years.
“This was one of the most
astounding performances of rising to an occasion of intense pressure I ever
witnessed,” McKenzie said. “Their second-place finish at a national tournament
is a testament to the hope that our children can accomplish anything they desire
if they listen humbly, work hard and do their best.”
“Research shows that chess
increases analytical thinking,” said Dr. Mark Strauss, director of School
Performance and Accountability, who has been working on a plan to bring chess to
District elementary schools. “We are thrilled that the Castle Hill all-girls
team represented us nationally and showcased the phenomenal outcomes that chess
produces.”
“I applaud the
accomplishment of the students at Castle Hill Elementary,” said city of
Lauderhill Commissioner Kenneth Thurston. “The teaching of chess expands the
mind and increases the capacity to learn.”
The Kasparov National
Championship is the most prestigious chess event for female players under the
age of 18.
