Ron Swanson, a local businessman and musician who has been volunteering with Chess Without Borders has invented an object that can be fitted on string instruments to make them more personal. Ron has a Patent pending and some investors have already made an investment in his product. Ron has called his invention Tuneroos.

Ron is an inspiration to so many chess students as he volunteers with them expressing ideas and demonstrates the connection between art and service. The rich diversity of volunteers from all age groups and ethnicities promotes an environment of learning and ideas as each one interacts with each other. Ron has introduced new methods of fund raising to students and they have responded with enthusiasm and  followed his example. Zander and Aidan Kitchen along with Madison Rossi will be spearheading Marketing for the documentary “A Future for Meher” with the ideas that Ron has shared with them.

We congratulate Ron on his accomplishment.

Hough School Chess Tournament raised $5160 under the Leadership of Dominic Oetinger. Ninety eight students played in the tournament while 37 diverse group of volunteers  excelled in their tasks from feeding crowds, cooking, collecting money, playing music, shooting pictures, selling raffle tickets, entertaining guests to being assistant tournament directors. 800 hours of service were provided to make this event possible. Dominic with the assistance of his mother Denise Oetinger had worked hard to enlist players. He had visited several school chess clubs informing them about the event.Because of the example set by Dominic 15 other students have volunteered to work towards qualifying for this award next year.

Rich Ni, Madison Rossi and Scott McKellin received Presidential Volunteer Service Awards for volunteering 100 hours over this last year.They are seen here with Teacher Maggie Gruber the host at the tournament.

A special thank you to Principal Ms Laurie Wilcox who visited the school with her daughter. She is seen here with other volunteers.