By: Eric Wood
Chess is a difficult game to master. Vladimer Kellachow, however, is up for the challenge.
On April 29, 2016, Hershey High School held its first annual Community Day where the students attend sessions of their interest. One session is Chess Club, run by the Co-Founder and Co-President of Chess Club, Vladimer Kellachow, sophomore at Hershey High School.
Dougherty, Karpa, Palmer, and O’Shea indulge in a game of 4-player Chess. The game finished in a draw as the time of the first session expired.
For over 1,000 years, Chess has been a worldwide game, originating in India. The game then spread to Persia when the Muslim Army conquered Persia. The game was then introduced to Southern Europe and the Muslim world. There are over 50 variations of Chess including 4-way, Chinese, and Japanese.
These are the thoughts and opinions of several students participating in Chess Club:
Vladimer Kellachow: Sophomore, Co-President
Kellachow’s presentation consisted of the basics of Chess, the #1 World Player in Chess, and the benefits of playing Chess. For Kellachow, Chess is a game of strategic thinking. He also believes Chess is important because of his heritage. Kellachow is Russian. In Russia, Chess is a big deal as it has its own federation, museum, and its own news organization. Kellachow has been playing Chess for 10 years on and off. Another reason Chess is important is because it makes him a smarter person. Kellachow also said, “I am usually impulsive, a trait that is not good in Chess, so Chess makes me slow down and think.”
Dhruv Tripathi: Sophomore, Co-President
Dhruv Tripathi started Chess club for one reason. “When I moved here, I didn’t have anyone to play Chess with. So Vlad [Kellachow] and I started Chess club,” said Tripathi. Tripathi started playing Chess in India and continued to play Chess in the US. In India, Chess is popular as the game originated from India around 600 AD. Tripathi enjoys Chess club because it allows him to meet new people as well as bring the community together. One of Tripathi’s favorite versions of Chess is 4-player. “It allows for more interaction,” said Tripathi. According to Tripathi, Chess is a relaxing way to unwind from all the schoolwork and activities he does.
Kieri Karpa: Freshman
Kieri Karpa, freshman, entered into the Chess club community day session to learn more about Chess club. Karpa enjoys Chess and thought that joining the community day activity would make her a better player. As the day kicked off, Karpa tried the 4-player version of Chess. For her, it was a new experience that she wanted to try. Karpa also believes Chess is important. Karpa said, “I think it’s fun. And things that are fun are important.” Karpa has played since she was seven, but she says her game needs a lot of work.
Sheryl Ding: Sophomore
Sheryl Ding only joined the Community Day Chess Club activity because her friends were doing it. However, as the activity went on, Ding found herself attracted to the game. Ding thinks that Chess is important after Kellachow’s presentation. “It helps the brain function,” said Ding. Ding also believes it’s fun, only after her first game. Ding also said that she is going to join Chess Club as soon as possible.
Chess Club, founded by Tripathi and Kellachow, is in it’s second year. The club meets every Wednesday after school in room G241. The club is always welcome to new members.
