April 20, 2026
What a weekend for our chess teams! ♟️
Midway through prom on Friday night, our players traded dress shoes for determination and loaded up the bus for an overnight trip to the state tournament. After months (and really years) of early mornings, late afternoons, thousands of puzzles, and countless matches, they were ready.
Last year, we came heartbreakingly close. This year… we finished the job.
🏆 2026 Arkansas State Chess Champions – BOTH Junior High & Senior High!
Both teams battled through tough rounds, each facing an early draw, but never backed down. They fought their way to the final round and took control when it mattered most.
Senior High Team:
William Vaverka
Sonny Thao
Draven Cummings
Bonus Shock
Junior High Team:
Cael Dempsie
Christian Thao
Chase Abendroth
Madeline Walden
Cooper Eichor
Final Results:
♟️ Senior High – 1st Place: Eureka Springs
♟️ Junior High – 1st Place: Eureka Springs
We couldn’t be more proud of these students—their work ethic, integrity, and perseverance truly paid off.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported and challenged them along the way, and special appreciation to Coaches Jerry Wells and Arron Oliver for their leadership.
Double state champions… what an accomplishment! 💙
Midway through prom on Friday night, our players traded dress shoes for determination and loaded up the bus for an overnight trip to the state tournament. After months (and really years) of early mornings, late afternoons, thousands of puzzles, and countless matches, they were ready.
Last year, we came heartbreakingly close. This year… we finished the job.
🏆 2026 Arkansas State Chess Champions – BOTH Junior High & Senior High!
Both teams battled through tough rounds, each facing an early draw, but never backed down. They fought their way to the final round and took control when it mattered most.
Senior High Team:
William Vaverka
Sonny Thao
Draven Cummings
Bonus Shock
Junior High Team:
Cael Dempsie
Christian Thao
Chase Abendroth
Madeline Walden
Cooper Eichor
Final Results:
♟️ Senior High – 1st Place: Eureka Springs
♟️ Junior High – 1st Place: Eureka Springs
We couldn’t be more proud of these students—their work ethic, integrity, and perseverance truly paid off.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported and challenged them along the way, and special appreciation to Coaches Jerry Wells and Arron Oliver for their leadership.
Double state champions… what an accomplishment! 💙