Students from P.S. 185 had a triumphant day at the P.S. 116 chess tournament held in Manhattan on February 17. The Bay Ridge elementary school fielded two teams competing in the Novice 1 and Novice 2 divisions. P.S. 185 won in the Novice 2 division and placed second in Novice 1.
Competing in the Novice 2 division for P.S. 185 were Victor Chen, Jimmy Christakos, Nate Kruger and Ali Taoube. Cristiano Cornell, Michael Lin and Billy Kruger represented the school in the Novice 1 division.
Several of the students were also recognized with individual trophies in their divisions.
The children participate in a new chess program launched at P.S. 185 in October by Principal Kenneth Llinas. All children in kindergarten, first grade and second grade are receiving in-school chess instruction every other week for the duration of the school year, fully funded by the PTA.
Children in all grades have the option of enrolling in weekly after-school instruction conducted at the school. With the program off to such a successful start in its first year, the school and PTA are looking at ways to expand it in the future.
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On February 26, the Fort Hamilton High School chapter of the National Honor Society hosted its fourth annual Bowling Night to raise funds for the Joseph Graffagnino Scholarship.
Joseph Graffagnino, a FHHS alumnus, perished in the line of duty as a New York City firefighter.His admirable strength and determination are honored through a scholarship for senior students who share the same traits and have overcome obstacles to succeed in life.
Held at Maple Lanes, students bowled beside teachers, administrators, family members and community friends to generate $3,100 for the scholarship.Scholarships are announced at Senior Awards in June.Over 250 participants filled 42 lanes for the cause.
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Nicolette Shin, a senior atFontbonne Hall Academy
* * * Students from Fontbonne Hall Academy recently began a Political Issues Club with the support of Mrs. Christine Wilde as its moderator. The students discuss current political issues in the United States and situations that are occurring around the world. The club president and Mrs. Wilde come to the meetings with topics for the students to consider, and the club members also raise issues that they would like to examine. The students have discussed the situations in Syria, Egypt and North Korea, as well as domestic issues such as the fiscal cliff, gun control and women as combat soldiers. The club, which meets twice a month, has had between 30 and 40 students at its meetings. Participants come from all of the grades and the discussions are insightful, lively and respectful.
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