National Master Elliott Goldrich '31 proudly represented New York State and Dalton at the 15th Annual Dewain Barber National Tournament of Middle School State Champions in Middleton, Wisconsin. This prestigious event brings together state champions from across the country, and Elliott rose to the challenge with grit and focus.

Over six rounds of tough 3+ hour battles, Elliott faced champions from states like Michigan, Rhode Island, and Texas. He finished tied for 4th place overall (9th on tiebreaks) — an outstanding accomplishment! Beyond the results, Elliott built lasting friendships with peers from the Rockefeller (elementary), Denker (high school), Haring (K–12 girls), and Irwin (seniors) tournaments. He showed what it means to play with both strength and heart.

National Master William Safranek '26, WIM and National Master Iris Mou '27, and Sammy Sen '30 represented Dalton abroad in the Pan American Youth Championship in Peru. Iris also competed in the 2025 US Junior Girls Championship, which is an invitational tournament for the top 10 girls in the USA. She also traveled to Canada to play in the North American Youth Championship.

Competing internationally is about more than just chess — it's about embracing new cultures, building resilience, and forming global friendships. William, Iris, and Sammy embodied these values while delivering excellent results and proudly carrying Dalton's name onto the international stage.

We are so proud of Elliott, William, Iris, and Sammy for their hard work, dedication, and passion. Their journeys remind us that chess is not only about winning, but also about growth, connection, and the joy of pushing beyond our limits. May their stories inspire all of us to dream big, work hard, and embrace every challenge with courage!

Dalton Summer Chess Camp 2025 was also a wonderful experience for all participants! This year, we welcomed 52 students from grades K–8, including 17 incoming kindergarteners. The camp offered a week filled with reconnection, learning, and fun — a chance for children to sharpen their chess skills, build friendships, and enjoy the game in a supportive community.

Throughout the week, campers played daily tournament games with thoughtful post-game analysis with the Dalton Coaches. They participated in engaging chess lessons, labs, and rotating classroom sessions, including exciting events like bughouse, blitz, and puzzle challenges. Every student received a Dalton Chess Team t-shirt and a notation book, and the week closed with a lively end-of-camp celebration.

We are grateful to our dedicated instructors and high school students who worked at the camp. The camp was both educational and joyful. Most of all, we are proud of our campers for their enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and love of the game. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next summer for another unforgettable week of chess at Dalton! Click here to view the photo gallery. 

Submitted by Chess Director Beatriz Marinello