Fulton Science Academy Students Deliver Impressive Results During State Chess Tournament

Students from Fulton Science Academy delivered strong results at the State Chess Tournament held on Saturday, March 25 at Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee. A total of 66 teams and approximately 400 students attended this prestigious competition with teams from Fulton Science Academy securing two first place finishes and a third place finish as well.

The K-1 chess team from Fulton Science Academy finished in first place and earned the coveted title of State Champions! Team members included Vehbi Cokavci, Christopher Gao, Aaron Liu, Omer Ozturk, and Kovid Parashar.

FSA’s, K-3 team also tied for first place with three other schools, and got third place after tiebreakers. Team members included Mateo Galvis, Dheemant Parashar, Varun Sayana, Taran Sudagar, and Archer Watson.

The K-5 FSA chess team tied for second place, finishing the day with a third place trophy based upon tie-breaks. Team members included Alexander Rutten, Ipsita Bhattacharya, Varsha Sayana, Bhavin Shah, and Eric Yu.

Fulton Science Academy students work very hard under the guidance of team coach, Carlos Perdomo, and many dedicated parent volunteers. Omer's parent, Ozgur Ozturk, said, “Chess teaches kids patience and discipline. It gives Omer not only a venue to showcase his talents, but also to understand what traits he needs to improve upon.”

He enthusiastically added, “Being part of the best team in Georgia is a great motivator for him to keep working hard. We feel extremely privileged to have Omer in this phenomenal team with literally the top players of the state and most dedicated parents behind them, and hardworking role models that achieved nationwide top rankings in upper classes like Vishal Balyan, Varun Gadi and Alexander Rutten.”

FSA chess players are actively involved in their daily studies and manage to find time outside the normal school day to work and improve their skills. Research has shown that the game of chess can help to improve concentration and memory, enhances reading and math skills, fosters logic, critical thinking and creativity, and encourages and rewards hard work.

Parents of FSA chess players are understandably proud, but perhaps nobody is more excited about the teams’ results than Principal, Kenan Sener. “The game of chess is timeless and to see these incredible students carrying such impressive academic loads AND performing at this level in their chess competitions is simply amazing. The dedication and commitment their families show is very inspirational; I can’t think of a more deserving group for these great honors.”

About Fulton Science Academy

Fulton Science Academy Private School (FSAPS) has fostered a “yearn to learn” culture where students embrace an innovative, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) curriculum. FSA’s study body is diverse and reflects award-winning academic teams, competitive athletes, personal entrepreneurs, professional working actors, and award-winning critical thinkers. Built upon core values of excellence, innovation, and character, FSAPS has engineered a school of the future, today. For more information on this school, which serves students in Pre-K through high school, please visit http://www.fultonscienceacademy.org.