VHS Chess Top 5 In State
The Vidalia High School Chess team competed in the Georgia Chess Association's 2024 High School State Tournament, on March 16, at Georgia Gwinnett College in Lawrenceville.
This State tournament had 19 very strong Chess teams from throughout Georgia and the VHS team competed well with 3 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw against a highly skilled Whitefield Academy team.
Their record of 3-1-1 actually tied VHS with two other teams for 3rd place, but the tie-breaking system moved the Indians to 5th in the state of Georgia. The VHS Chess Team won first place in their Region for the second year in a row and their goal to improve on their 4th place finish in 2023 was actually achieved by tying for 3rd place.
These players performed well against several tough teams and four of the five starters are returning to compete in 2024-25 Chess season and State Tournament.
Senior Sukumar Paidi ended his high schoolcompetitive chess career with a great game in round 5 against the twotime National Champion from Whitefield Academy.
The VHS Chess Club sponsor, Bobby George, spoke for the team when he gave appreciation to Mr. JA Youngblood for working with the players and to the parents for their support and encouragement throughout the season.
