THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY BROWN, BEYER, BISHOP, DENLINGER, DiGIROLAMO, DONATUCCI, FABRIZIO, FRANKEL, GEIST, GOODMAN, HARHART, HARKINS, KORTZ, McCALL, MELIO, MILLARD, MOUL, PARKER, PAYNE, PAYTON, ROSS, SAINATO, STABACK, MANN, KOTIK, HENNESSEY, JOSEPHS AND WHITE, JUNE 9, 2009

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, JUNE 9, 2009  

A RESOLUTION

Honoring the Blankenburg Royalty Chess Team for winning numerous

awards in multiple local, State and national tournaments,

thereby establishing the group as one of the premier chess

teams in this Commonwealth.

WHEREAS, The Blankenburg Royalty Chess Team was started in

the spring of 2006 with two students from the Blankenburg

Elementary School located in West Philadelphia, which is

comprised of students from kindergarten through eighth grade;

and 

WHEREAS, Through a partnership with the After School

Activities Partnership (ASAP), the team obtained needed

materials, and the number of team members gradually increased;

and

WHEREAS, During the 2006-2007 school year, the team made its

debut in the ASAP Philadelphia Scholastic Chess League and also

began to attend local chess tournaments; and

WHEREAS, Although inexperienced, the chess team members from

Blankenburg Elementary School consistently showed remarkable

potential by displaying talent, resiliency and competitiveness

at every competition; and

WHEREAS, As outside interest in the program increased, the

team chose to compete in more rigorous competitions rated for

higher difficulty levels; and

WHEREAS, The Blankenburg Royalty Chess program has quickly

established itself as one of the premier chess teams in this

Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, The Blankenburg Royalty Chess Team was founded on

the vision, commitment, sacrifice and tenacity shared by the

children and their coach; and

WHEREAS, The Blankenburg Royalty Chess Team members have won

more than 50 trophies and 25 medals; and

WHEREAS, With a total of nine combined national honors to the

team’s credit in two years, this dynamic chess program is

continuing to garner attention around the United States; and

WHEREAS, To their great credit, many team members have earned

academic honors and several hold leadership positions both in

the school and the community; and

WHEREAS, As a result of their involvement on the chess team,

team members have shown improvement in the areas of

concentration, critical thinking, patience, self-discipline,

foresight and sportsmanship; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor the

Blankenburg Royalty Chess Team members and coach for winning

numerous awards in multiple local, State and national chess

tournaments and wish the team members continued success in

future competitions and in becoming well-rounded citizens and

promising young leaders in this Commonwealth.