Whiz Kid: Jake Marshall, Chess Ace

Every Wednesday, Novato Patch honors a Whiz Kid in the community for doing something special in academics, sports, for charity, or for excelling academically and being part of the Model UN Club like last week's Whiz Kid, .

This week we honor a first grader who engages critical thinking skills by playing chess in his school's chess club, and in fact, is ranked seventh in northern California in his age group.

NAME:  Jake Marshall

SCHOOL:  Loma Verde Elementary

GRADE:  First

GOOD DEED:  At age of 4, Jake was introduced to chess while a preschooler. He began playing in tournaments the next year and won his grade level for kindergarten and first grade at the Marin County Scholastic Championships.  This year, while still in first grade, he tied for seventh place at the Northern California State Grade Level Championships. Jake has won 17 chess trophies and rumor has it that his parents, Jennifer and Dave, are looking for more shelf space in their house in the Point Marin area of southern Novato.

Jake is also big brother to Calvin, age 5 and Samantha, age 3. He also enjoys playing T-ball, all kinds of board games, reading and math. Jeff and Lanette Gordon are his coaches who teach chess and organize tournaments for over 150 kids in Marin County.

KEY TO AWESOMENESS: Jake's teacher, Barbara Burmaster, says this about her student: "Intrinsically motivated with personal goals always spiraling upward, Jake exhibits highly developed metacognitive skills while at the same time wallowing in the silliness of being seven, or showing sensitivity and empathy for his fellow classmates. He's well-rounded, fun, and well liked by all."

Loma Verde principal Eileen Smith adds, "Jake is a focused, hard working boy. He sets goals for himself and has the perseverance needed to achieve his goals."

In our book, Jake is a Knight or a even King, maybe a Bishop, but definitely not a Pawn!