Fourth graders Cameron C., Mason H., and Daniel R., along with fifth graders George Z., Rayan B., and Samuel M, formed a team and competed together on Saturday, December 7, 2025, at the Mid-Atlantic K–12 Chess Championship in Columbia, Maryland. This event brought together 450 students from more than 60 schools for an intense, all-day competition. Each player completed five chess matches, demonstrating remarkable tenacity and commitment, and the team representing the Blue and Gray won first place in the Grades 4–5 U400 Beginner Division!

Other highlights of their achievement in the U400 Beginner Division include:

• George placed 6th
• Rayan placed 7th
• Cameron placed 14th

In addition, eighth grader Spencer C. competed in the Championship Section and placed 6th in the entire Mid-Atlantic region.

Only two of the Gilman boys — Cameron and Spencer — had ever participated in a rated chess tournament before.

The team is excited to compete in the Maryland State Championship in April 2026.

Congratulations, boys!