Congratulations to all of our students who participated in the 2025 Winter Classic Chess Tournament. This event showcased not only strategic thinking and competitive spirit, but also the growing strength of chess here in Newton Falls.
We are proud to recognize our top finishers:
- 1st Place Champion: Mason Duffy
- 2nd Place: Max Baird
- 3rd Place: Xander Franks
Each of these students demonstrated patience, focus, and advanced problem-solving skills throughout the tournament. Their success reflects countless hours of practice, thoughtful decision-making, and a willingness to learn from every match.
This tournament is part of our expanding chess program, proudly led by Mr. Ethan Gross, who has worked tirelessly to build student interest and skill development in the game.
Under his guidance, chess has become more than just a competition.
It is a learning experience that strengthens critical thinking, perseverance, sportsmanship, and respectful competition. Mr. Gross’s leadership has helped create a welcoming environment where students of all experience levels can grow and challenge themselves.
Chess continues to be a powerful tool for student development, encouraging logical reasoning, foresight, and resilience. Events like the Winter Classic highlight how extracurricular opportunities enrich our students’ educational experience while building confidence and community.
Well done to all participants, and thank you to Mr. Gross for his dedication to providing meaningful learning opportunities for our students. We look forward to continued growth and future tournaments ahead.