BETHEL SCHOOL DISTRICT — The Camas Prairie Chess Club went to two state qualifying tournaments on two consecutive weekends in March. On the 16th, the team competed in the Centralia Classic. Led by team captain Colby Kolowinski (NS) who scored 3 and 1/2 points (out of a maximum of 5), the team took home the third place trophy. Fourth Grader Antonio Perez (EV) also scored 3&1/2 points and qualified for the Washington State Elementary Chess Championship Tournament that will be held on April 20 in Vancouver, WA.

On the 23rd, the 10 members of the team competed in the WA–‐Hoyt tournament in Tacoma. The team placed fourth. Individually, Colby Kolowinski won 4 games and earned the 2nd place trophy in the Grades 4–‐6 U800 division. Fifth Grader and team co–‐captain Marc McNamee (CP) won 3 games and took home the third place trophy in the tough 4–‐6 Open division. Fellow fifth grader Shonnon McKeon (CP) also won 3 games and punched her ticket to the State tournament.

All together, there are now six team members who have qualified for the State Tournament!