Write a 150 word essay that tells us what your coach does for your club and why your coach has made the club the best. If you have any pictures of your coach or your club that would be great. Then the U S Chess Federation will recognize these wonderful people on our website.

My name is J.J. O'Connor. I am a fourth grader at the St. Joseph's School in Kingston, the first capital of New York. I started playing chess three years ago thanks to Miss Merker, who I believe started the St. Joseph's chess club. My first chess tournament was at Kingston High School. I think my team placed third place.

One of the secrets to our chess team's success is our coach, Miss Merker, who has a lot of dedication and enthusiasm to our chess team. She never misses a practice or a tournament. She makes playing chess a cool thing to do. Miss Merker also uses discipline to make us better. It may sound tough, but overall it is really fun.

She is also cool because she is always thinking of creative things for our chess team to do. The best one is our trip to Orlando this December. We get Monday and Friday off from school and we don't have to be sick.

You may e-mail your essays to feedback@uschess.org or send by surface mail to

My Coach is the Best
US Chess Federation
3054 NYS Rt 9W
New Windsor, NY 12553