Sen. Hassan honors Grantham student for founding chess club

A Grantham student who built a chess program for Upper Valley children has been named June’s Granite Stater of the Month by U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan. The honor puts Emelia Ajavon, still preparing for high school, in the spotlight for a local effort that started with four players and grew into a regular youth program at Howe Library in Hanover.

Hassan recognized the project on June 23 after Ajavon developed an early interest in mathematics and strategy at age 9 and found few chances for children her age to play chess with peers. She created Chess Club 4 Kids at Howe Library with help from library staff, local schools and community members, building a space where students from across the Upper Valley could learn the game together.

The club now draws an average of 20 to 30 students at each meeting and has served more than 100 families. Ajavon is now mentoring younger students and helping pass leadership to keep the program going as she gets ready for high school. The recognition was part of Hassan’s Granite Stater of the Month initiative, which she launched in 2017 to honor New Hampshire residents who strengthen their communities.

Chess Club 4 Kids is built for easy access. Howe Library’s programs page describes it as a drop-in chess program with 20 minutes of instruction, time to play in a supportive setting, chess sets and pieces provided, and no registration required. The program meets on Mondays from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Howe Library, 13 South Street in Hanover.