Seda Manukyan, the president of our school’s Chess Club, is not only passionate about strategic thinking, but she also finds joy in creative expression. When she’s not planning her next move on the chessboard, she enjoys drawing, reading and writing, allowing her to explore her imagination and emotions through art and words.

Seda is a dedicated member of the Chess Club, and she discovered her love for the game just last year, after watching her father and brother play at home. What drew her in was the creativity that chess offers for the player. It is a game of endless possibilities that challenges both strategy and imagination. 

Since she first got into the game of chess, Seda has been practicing almost every day to keep her mind sharp, believing that daily engagement is the key to staying focused and improving. Still, she knows the importance of rest, and she avoids overplaying to prevent mental fatigue. 

Inspired by her grandmother, who always motivates her to stay creative, Seda believes that patience and enjoyment are essential to every match. For her, chess isn’t just a boys’ game. She firmly believes that it’s about the mind, not the gender, and she encourages other girls to join her club. Most of all, Seda values friendship and inclusion within the chess community, and she dreams of one day meeting professional chess players to keep growing and learning.

Ultimately, it’s clear that for Seda that chess is more than just a game—it’s a path to self-growth, creativity and connection. Whether she’s training her mind, encouraging others or dreaming of facing professional players, Seda carries a quiet strength and passion that proves chess belongs to anyone willing to think boldly. Her message is simple yet powerful: “Play with joy, play with heart, and never let anything limit your mind.”

If you are interested in joining the GHS Chess Club, please contact their advisor, Mr. O’Malley, at [email protected]! Keep your eyes on the board, Nitros!