Three members of the Lusher Charter School chess team skipped a few Mardi Gras
parades to go to the Susan Polgar National Open for Girls & Boys, which was held
in Phoenix, AZ March 4-6.  After enjoying the Krewes of Babylon, Chaos, and
Muses on Thursday night, fifth graders Eli Karp and Charlie Wheelock and fourth
grader Luke Pruett, along with Eli's mom, Leila D'Aquin, spent the Friday before
Carnival traveling. They arrived at the host school, Bogle Junior High, just in
time for the Puzzles and Bughouse competitions Friday evening. On Saturday and
Sunday, they played in the 7 round G/45 main event, as well as the Blitz.

When all was said and done, the 3 boys returned to New Orleans in time for
Monday's parades, bringing with them a total of 8 trophies. Eli was the top
elementary player in blitz, and in the main event he was undefeated through the
first six rounds before he drew the final, earning the title of national
elementary champion. He received a netbook computer as well as a beautiful
trophy and a commemorative chess board. Lusher received the third place team
trophy and 5 other individual awards, including 13th place overall in long chess
& 4th place in blitz (Luke); 3rd place in puzzle solving (Charlie), and 2nd
place in bughouse (Eli & Charlie).