Patch Whiz Kids: Wheaton's Chess Stars

Names: Mitchell Kaminski, Max Zinski and Nate Kranjc

Grade: 5th (Kaminski), 8th

School:  and

Accomplishment: This competitive Whiz Kid spends his days receiving awards, winning tournaments and creating armies.

Keys to awesomeness: Last week, Whiz Kid Mitchell Kaminski took second place in theChess Competition. Mitchell then participated in the District 200 Elementary Chess Tournament. He placed 25th in the 5th graders division.

For two years now, Mitchell participated in the Reflections contest at Lowell. As part of the Reflections contest, students are encouraged to dance, play instruments, create art projects and more. This year, Mitchell created a collage titled “Together We Can.” For his efforts in his art project, Mitchell received an Honorable Mention at the State Ceremony. Mitchell says that when he grows up Mitchell says he just wants to be “happy.”

Zinski and Kranjc were two of 40 Illinois students in grades 1-12 to be named 2011 Illinois Chess Association Warren Junior Chess Scholars. Zinski tied for second place in the Illinois State Chess Competition that took place the weekend of Mar. 4-5. He placed third in the tiebreak round. Kranjc was undefeated in the Blitz Competition in February.