Checkmate

Mastering a sport that’s all in the mind

BY SKYLIE MOLINA

THE MIRROR STAFF

Every move and countermove had led to this moment – the last move before victory is claimed.

A strategic battle, with each movement carefully planned and executed, has come down to this one final move. At last, the queen moves along a diagonal path from d8 to h4, putting the white king in checkmate.

This experience captivates the world of chess, where one move can make or break a match.

Those interested in friendly competition meet every Friday in room 321.

Founded by senior Micah Margolin, the Chess Stars club strives to be a safe and supportive environment for anyone enthusiastic about chess.

“I wanted to have a place to meet others who are also passionate about chess, and this club is a good place to do that,” Margolin said.

Club sponsor Mr. Bradley Margolin says that although he had always played chess as a kid, his interest really sparked when his son started playing chess. Mr. Margolin learned to help his son improve, and watched him go on to participate in tournaments held by the United States Chess Federation.

“I was never really into it until the last seven or eight years when my son started playing,” Mr. Margolin said. “I got interested in it. Now I really like it.”

The club is focused on fueling students’ interest for chess with a growth

Chess Stars club sponsor Mr. Bradley Margolin mindset. By facilitating matches, the club helps members improve their skills.

Whether you are an experienced player looking for a match or someone exploring a newfound interest in chess, the club is open to all eager to learn and hone their skills.

Senior Brandon Bernal, the Chess Stars club vice president, has some advice for people interested in the sport.

“Don’t worry if you are a good player or not,” he said. “This club is here to mentor you. Everyone will have a different strategy when playing.”

Although most new members have prior experience in chess, if a player needs to learn the concepts or refresh their memory, there are members willing to assist.

“If members need to learn or relearn the concepts, we show them the basic moves with a chess set on what moves would be best for the game,” Bernal said.

He recommends practicing five hours per week whether it be in person, or on chess.com, to keep the mind sharp and ready for matches.

Bernal encourages students to join the club, where each member gets the chance to challenge another student or even Mr. Margolin during a match.

“In the chess club, they come in and play each other,” Mr. Margolin said. “Once in a while, I play against a kid in the club.”

In addition to the friendly competition, Mr. Margolin has remarked that playing chess is beneficial to its participants. He believes that it strengthens the mind and a person’s ability to plan ahead, as it is a vital skill needed for players.

“I think chess itself is a great game where kids have to have deep thinking,” he said. “When they play, whatever amount of time they are in the game, they have to be in deep thought, thinking ahead and planning several moves ahead.”

Chess can sharpen your mind and improve cognitive function, as it reinforces problem solving, critical thinking, creative thinking and decision making skills.

If you are enthusiastic about finetuning your chess skills, it is important to keep playing and practicing. Repetition is key.

“It is important to practice daily and to always learn from your mistakes when playing against your opponent,” Bernal said.

When playing chess, it is important to be diligent, persistent and open minded. Although losing might lower your self-confidence, it is crucial to improving your abilities.

“It is important to keep sticking with it even after losses,” Margolin said. “If you keep at it, you’ll get better and it will get more fun.”

Like father, like daughter

BY OLAMIDE OLUMIDE THE MIRROR NEWS & FEATURES EDITOR

It’s one thing to share family dinners and holidays, but new teachers Alexa Strassner and Jillian Rundall share something a little different with their dads: a workplace. Alongside their fathers Assistant Principal Marc Strassner and health teacher Timothy Rundall, these new teachers are literally part of the school’s family.

FAMILY TIES | New English teacher Alexa Strassner with dad and Assistant Principal

Ms. Alexa Strassner

ENGLISH TEACHER

“My dad works here, and I’ve been involved in this school growing up. I’ve come to games and plays and things like that. I knew about the school and already knew the vibe of it as well, so it seemed like a good fit. I think the culture is really cool and interesting. My old teachers really had an impact on me and inspired me to pursue a job in education. They taught me a lot about not just school, but life in general, and I would like to have that same impact on others. I’d say I’m creative, ambitious and fun. I like fashion, music and watching movies. I also like going to the beach and concerts. It’s kind of fun seeing my dad around school. It’s nice because even though I’m new, I know someone that I can go to if I need help. We’ve always been very close. We like to do things together, like going out to museums and concerts. I think we’re both pretty good about keeping it professional at work. I don’t ask him for special favors or anything like that, and he doesn’t like to do anything extra for me. The best thing about working in the same place is that there is someone I can ask for advice from without feeling nervous about it. I know he’ll give me good advice.”

ALL IN THE FAMILY | New History teacher Jillian Rundall with dad and P.E. coach Timothy

Ms. Jillian Rundall

HISTORY TEACHER

“When I was in the credentialing program within my social science class in college, Van Nuys actually emailed the head of my department about how there were three job openings. My job interview was supposed to last 30 minutes, but it ended up lasting an hour. I really got along with the head of the department and Mr. Strassner. I felt like the conversation flowed really well which I really liked. So I was really excited. I grew up liking going to school a lot. I went to my dad’s work a lot and I always thought that it would be so cool to also be a teacher. I’ve always loved school, so I just wanna stay in it. I’m outgoing, empathetic and funny, and I really like camping, cooking, baking and reading. My dad and I don’t really see each other throughout the day. My dad and I have always been super close. I make him laugh a lot, and we’re both really funny. I’ve always known how much he cares about me, and it almost feels like security too. He’s always been very involved in my life. I feel like no matter how old you get, sometimes you’re gonna want the comfort of a family member. So it’s nice to know if god forbid anything would ever happen, I could always call him and he’s there.”