Instructor: Levon Altounian
University High School has great potential of becoming a chess powerhouse. The school is highly regarded for its academics, and naturally the chess club directly benefits from this. I have coached there for 3 years now and each year the school surprised me with new chess talent. It is pure pleasure being in a class where most students are serious about their chess, eager to learn new information.
The school also has an “in-house” chess sponsor-it was under the supervision of Mr. John Shadonix for the last two years, who accompanied the team to most tournaments. However, some tough general TUSD rules made it harder to have the Chess Club and for the team to reach their true potential. My hope is that with some new changes that are inevitably coming to all Tucson Districts and schools, some of the roadblock will be removed for the chess club and its members.