The Penn-Trafford Chess Club hosted its Fall Invitational Tournament in November, welcoming high school chess teams from Norwin, Gateway, Mount Pleasant, and Mars for a day of competitive play.
The tournament featured multiple divisions and showcased strategic thinking, problem-solving, and sportsmanship among participating students. Penn-Trafford earned second place in the A Division and first place in the B Division, continuing the club’s tradition of strong performances in regional competition.
Penn-Trafford is the only high school in Western Pennsylvania that hosts in-person high school chess tournaments, offering a unique opportunity for students across the region to compete face-to-face and build connections through the game of chess.
The PT Chess Club is led by teachers Jason Zimmer and Nicole Burtch, who organize and oversee the program and its events.
PT Chess Team members: (front) Alex Heintz, Paul Pierce, Nathan Lazeration, Collin Dransart, (middle row) Elijah Kreidler, Braden Dynys, Maddox Beech, Nino Sunseri, (back row) Evelyn Hartman, Nolan Schnauber, Marcelo Garcia, Andy Baker, and Tyler Kido