Providence Heights Alpha School's chess team won first place for the second year in a row at the 2008 Pennsylvania State Scholastic Chess Championships held in Carlisle earlier this year.

The state championship team in the K-6 Open division consisted of Mikey El-Kadi, Greg Kaniecki, Tyler Shick and Ian Tilton.

Additionally, Tyler Shick received a medal, Greg Kaniecki won a first placetrophy in the under 900 division and Mikey El-Kadi was awarded a sixth place trophy and the title of co-fifth-grade state champion.

In the K-3 Open division, Alpha placed second with Danny Fujito,David Groetsch,Anthony Mauro and Joshuah Musher all receiving medals. Other team members included Arijay Mehta, Michael Niggemyer, Xander Paski and Aaron Tilton.

David Groetsch was awarded a first-place trophy for the Under 600 division.

In 2007, Alpha's team also won the state championship in the K-9 Under 1000 Division and has won the Pittsburgh Diocesan Championships in both 2007 and 2008.

"Winning a state championship for a second consecutive year is an outstanding achievement and a testament to our students' dedication and analytical skills," Principal Rochelle Holly said.

"It is a wonderful experience for them not only to compete, but also to socialize with students with similar interests from across the state."

Holly also said Coach John Surlow and assistant Clyde Kapinos are to be commended for their coaching in the popular after-school instructional and tournament chess classes, which are offered twice a week.