The chess tradition continues at The Varnett Public School.
Isaiah Johnson placed fourth and his brother Curtis placed fifth at a recent chess tournament at The Church of Bethel's Family. Isaiah and Curtis, who just finished sixth and seventh grades, respectively, competed against seven high school students from KIPP Sunnyside, Sterling, La Marque, Lamar Consolidated, according to Mr. Lonnie Reynolds, Varnett's athletic director. Five of the players were from Varnett's Southwest campus.
Isaiah won three out of four matches and Curtis won two out of four, Mr. Reynolds said. The team was coached by Mr. Richard Burton.
"I thought it was a good experience for our kids," Mr. Reynolds. "They competed against high school students and performed well."