Public Service Spotlight: Diran Adalian
This week’s Spotlight centers on Diran Adalian, a third-year at the University majoring in Civil Engineering. As president of UVa’s Chess Club, Diran recently developed a partnership with Playing ACES. This organization works with schools in Albermarle County and Charlottesville City to create educational chess programs for students. Members of the chess club volunteer with these programs at local public schools. “I felt that this was actually one of the best things chess club could do for the community and was quite excited for the opportunity,” Diran said. After first talking to Playing ACES, he gauged interest among club members and advertised to others at UVa through methods such as tabling.
“This opportunity seemed like a chance for me and members of the chess club to share our passion for chess with the school children in hopes that they continue to love and play the game as they grow older,” Diran said. In addition, he helped coordinate and host Playing ACES’ 2nd Annual Scholastic Chess Tournament for K-12 students this past Saturday at UVa. Diran wants parents to understand the positive educational and developmental impact that chess can have on children. In the future, he hopes to find more volunteers and develop chess programs at every school in the area.
To learn more or get involved, contact Diran at diran.adalian@gmail.com