2019 Scholar-Chessplayer Awards Announced

SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS: The 501(c)3 US Chess Federation announced the five recipients of the 2019 Scholar-Chessplayer Awards at the 2019 National High School (K-12) Championship, contested from March 15-17, 2019 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center in Illinois. These awards target high school juniors and seniors who excel in academics, chess, and leadership. The five winners receive equal $1,500 scholarships totaling $7,500. The 2019 recipients are: Forest Chen, Knoxville, TN, age 16; Albert Liang, Marietta, GA, age 17; Emily Nguyen, Austin, TX, age 16; Jennifer Yu, Ashburn, VA, age 17; and Howard Zhong, Norman, OK, age 17. These annual recognitions, provided by the U.S. Chess Trust (USCT) with the support of the National Scholastic Chess Foundation (NSCF) and US Chess, are intended to encourage high school students who promote a positive image of chess. To qualify, applicants who are US Chess members are required to:

• Play in at least 25 regular-rated US Chess or FIDE games during calendar year 2018;
• Show outstanding achievement in academics and chess;
• Have completed at least one year of chess-related community service since starting the 9^th Grade;
• Describe in an essay of 500 words how being selected as a 2019 Scholar-Chessplayer would enable the recipient to further their education, improve their chess, and allow them to continue contributing to the chess community for the next five years.

WIM Beatriz Marinello of the USCT said, “The inclusion of scholarships for young talented chess players, who are good students, directly contributes to rewarding excellence in academics and chess. This contribution goes far beyond just subsidizing the cost of an education; the support is the quintessence of affirming bright young kids’ dreams.” FM Sunil Weeramantry of the NSCF echoed this, saying, “The NSCF firmly believes that academic excellence and chess expertise go hand in hand. We are proud of all our winners and wish them every success in the future.” US Chess Executive Director Carol Meyer notes, “The Scholar-Chessplayer Awards speak directly to our US Chess Vision: ‘Chess is recognized as an essential tool that is inclusive, benefits education and rehabilitation, and promotes recreation and friendly competition.’” For more information please visit www.uschess.org. Photos: Albert Liang and Jennifer Yu were competitors in the National High Championship and so were able to receive their awards in person. Pictured with them are FM Sunil Weeramantry of the National Scholastic Chess Foundation and Carol Meyer, the Executive Director of US Chess. Other photos are courtesy of subjects.