• Madison County Record
    • Madison Living
    • Living 50 Plus
    • Explore
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • E-editions
    • Contact Us
    • Services
      • About Us
      • List of Locations
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Madison County Record
    • Madison Living
    • Living 50 Plus
    • Explore
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • E-editions
    • Contact Us
    • Services
      • About Us
      • List of Locations
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor

Hartselle Enquirer
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Obits
  • Opinion
  • Public Records
  • Madison County Record
  • Madison Living Magazine
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
  • Contact Us
  • Services
  • About Us
  • List of Locations
  • Subscribe
  • Policies
  • Terms of use
  • Submit a News Tip
  • Submit a Photo
  • Birth Announcement
  • Engagement Announcement
  • Wedding Announcement
  • Submit a Classified Ad
  • Letter to the Editor
    Hartselle Enquirer
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Schools
      • Opinion
      • Events
      • Lifestyles
      • Business
      • Records
      • Special Sections
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Schools
      • Opinion
      • Events
      • Lifestyles
      • Business
      • Records
      • Special Sections
    Cece Syarif promotes the game’s facets as MCCL Girls Chess Coordinator
    Cece Syarif, second from right, is serving as Girls Chess Coordinator for Madison City Chess League. Cece and husband David are parents of Noah and Annabelle Hsu. CONTRIBUTED
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, Schools, Z - News Main
     By  GreggParker Published 
    12:39 pm Wednesday, July 21, 2021

    Cece Syarif promotes the game’s facets as MCCL Girls Chess Coordinator

    MADISON – Cece Syarif believes learning to play chess involves more than just a game – it’s also about learning life for children. Syarif is serving as Girls Chess Coordinator for Madison City Chess League or MCCL.

    “I want the love for chess to continue for a long time in this area. I’ve seen children in chess grow up together, have common interests, become good friends and become more confident,” Syarif said.

    Her best experience was watching several fifth-graders huddled and encouraging each other during the National Chess Tournament at Opryland Hotel in Nashville. “That was a very heartwarming moments for all parents who were there. I’d love to see more of those moments,” Syarif said.

    As Girls Chess Coordinator, Syarif will introduce chess to as many girls as possible. “Once girls learn chess and start to have fun, they truly begin to excel at the game. Chess brings out the strengths in different personalities. For a shy girl, chess can be a channel to open up and make friends. For an extrovert, chess can teach them to be calm, patient and take time to assess the situation,” she said.

    “Chess is teaching children to plan your move, evaluate your risk and seize opportunities. We want to promote growth mindsets in girls,” Syarif said. “With hard work (founded on practice), they can achieve anything.”

    As a child, Syarif played chess recreationally but never competed or learned strategy. Her nieces, Constance and Caroline Wang, introduced her and her children to competitive chess at Rainbow Elementary School.

    “My son was the first kindergartner to join the Beginner Chess Club at Rainbow. Years later, his sister joined Beginner Chess Club in pre-kindergarten at Rainbow,” Syarif said. “I realized that children – boys and girls — as young as four years old can understand and play chess well.”

    “Practice makes perfect” is Syarif’s philosophy. Children should have a balance of strict rules, low pressure to win and the chance to have fun. Without rules, chaos will quickly occur.

    “Our MCCL children played against best players with much higher ratings in a national chess tournament. We don’t expect them to win but to give their best and don’t give up,” Syarif said. “There’s so much to learn from losing to better players. It’s crucial that kids have fun while participating in chess; otherwise, they won’t stick to it in the long term.”

    Syarif received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She works as a Program Manager for RUAG Space. Her hometown is Jakarta, Indonesia.

    She and husband David are parents of Noah and Annabelle Hsu, who attend Rainbow and play chess competitively.

    Sharing a funny scenario from college, Cece worked part time at Shogun and was required to wear a kimono as a server. “The kimono is not very comfortable,” she said.

    “I am a foodie,” she said about special interests. “I love trying different and ‘special’ fruit. I love Durian!”

    Also on The Madison Record
    Exclusive: Movie planned on life of baseball’s Jose Canseco
    Madison County Record, News, Sports, ...
    Exclusive: Movie planned on life of baseball’s Jose Canseco
    Bob Labbe 
    July 2, 2025
    Editor’s note: Former Major League Baseball superstar Jose Canseco spoke exclusively with Bob Labbe of the Madison Record about the former All-Star’s ...
    Madison Stake of LDS Church hosted Make Music Huntsville
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Madison Stake of LDS Church hosted Make Music Huntsville
    Gregg Parker 
    July 2, 2025
    MADISON – “Make Music Huntsville 2025” offered a full day of live music, worship and community connection. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day S...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Heidi Clemons feels ‘out of this world’ as Midtown’s Teacher of the Year
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Heidi Clemons feels ‘out of this world’ as Midtown’s Teacher of the Year
    Gregg Parker 
    July 2, 2025
    MADISON – When Heidi Clemons hears a student say, “That was so fun, Senora Clemons!,” she knows all her planning for that lesson paid off. She is “Tea...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Madison Elementary picks Beth Massey as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Madison County Record, News, Schools, ...
    Madison Elementary picks Beth Massey as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Gregg Parker 
    July 2, 2025
    MADISON – When Beth Massey started working for Madison City Schools in 2019, she immediately felt at home. Massey is “Teacher of the Year” at Madison ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    As ‘Mrs. Alabama America,’ Brianna Sistrunk focuses on national title
    Bob Jones High School, Living, Madison, ...
    2025 Mrs. Alabama America
    As ‘Mrs. Alabama America,’ Brianna Sistrunk focuses on national title
    As ‘Mrs. Alabama America,’ Brianna Sistrunk focuses on national title
    Gregg Parker 
    July 2, 2025
    MADISON - Brianna Sistrunk of Madison has been crowned 2025 Mrs. Alabama America and soon will compete at the national level. The Mrs. Alabama America...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON – When Chelsea Young moved to Madison in 2016, Madison City Schools held “a reputation for academic excellence and for one of the best distric...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Columbia recognizes Annabel Richter as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Columbia recognizes Annabel Richter as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON – Annabel Richter’s work can confirm that a student has a solid path to a well-rounded education. Columbia Elementary School’s faculty and sta...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Summer camp
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON - A local church’s special event connected on a personal level with 130-plus children who celebrated faith and friendship. Starting summer in ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ❮ ❯
    Get Legals or Public Notices Published
    Latest Local News
    Exclusive: Movie planned on life of baseball’s Jose Canseco
    Exclusive: Movie planned on life of baseball’s Jose Canseco
    Editor’s note: Former Major League Baseball superstar Jose Canseco spoke exclusively with Bob Labbe of the Madison Record about the former All-Star’s ...
    July 2, 2025
    Madison Stake of LDS Church hosted Make Music Huntsville
    Madison Stake of LDS Church hosted Make Music Huntsville
    MADISON – “Make Music Huntsville 2025” offered a full day of live music, worship and community connection. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day S...
    July 2, 2025
    Heidi Clemons feels ‘out of this world’ as Midtown’s Teacher of the Year
    Heidi Clemons feels ‘out of this world’ as Midtown’s Teacher of the Year
    MADISON – When Heidi Clemons hears a student say, “That was so fun, Senora Clemons!,” she knows all her planning for that lesson paid off. She is “Tea...
    July 2, 2025
    Madison Elementary picks Beth Massey as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Madison Elementary picks Beth Massey as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    MADISON – When Beth Massey started working for Madison City Schools in 2019, she immediately felt at home. Massey is “Teacher of the Year” at Madison ...
    July 2, 2025
    As ‘Mrs. Alabama America,’ Brianna Sistrunk focuses on national title
    As ‘Mrs. Alabama America,’ Brianna Sistrunk focuses on national title
    MADISON - Brianna Sistrunk of Madison has been crowned 2025 Mrs. Alabama America and soon will compete at the national level. The Mrs. Alabama America...
    July 2, 2025

    More Local News

    Our Latest E-edition
    Read the most recent edition
    Latest Stories
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    MADISON – A special event for young, aspiring entrepreneurs and vendors will debut with Little Booths Market Day on July 12. Little Booths Market Day ...
    June 25, 2025
    TARCOG asks for input on services that benefit senior citizens
    TARCOG asks for input on services that benefit senior citizens
    HUNTSVILLE - Top of Alabama Regional Council of Government or TARCOG wants your input. Affiliated with TARCOG, the Area Agency on Aging is conducting ...
    June 25, 2025
    Heart of the Valley YMCA hires Rob Gray as president
    Heart of the Valley YMCA hires Rob Gray as president
    By GREGG PARKER MADISON COUNTY -- Heart of the Valley YMCA has appointed a new president to lead the organization. Rob Gray has accepted the position ...
    June 25, 2025
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    MADISON- The Rocket City Trash Pandas has made a series of player moves including Mitch Daly. The Bob Jones High graduate and only local player to sui...
    June 18, 2025
    School leaders urge parents for feedback about rezoning
    School leaders urge parents for feedback about rezoning
    MADISON – With their continuous honors, Madison City Schools students have proven their mastery of the ‘three Rs – Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic.’ H...
    June 18, 2025
    poll
    Latest Sports
    Exclusive: Movie planned on life of baseball’s Jose Canseco
    Exclusive: Movie planned on life of baseball’s Jose Canseco
    Editor’s note: Former Major League Baseball superstar Jose Canseco spoke exclusively with Bob Labbe of the Madison Record about the former All-Star’s ...
    July 2, 2025
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    MADISON- The Rocket City Trash Pandas has made a series of player moves including Mitch Daly. The Bob Jones High graduate and only local player to sui...
    June 18, 2025
    Daly returns home to play for Trash Pandas
    Daly returns home to play for Trash Pandas
    MADISON - Since birth, Mitch Daly has always been on the move as his father, Ed, is a four-star general in the U.S. Army causing him to pack up his wi...
    May 26, 2025
    Thousands expected for Memorial Day’s Cotton Row Run
    Thousands expected for Memorial Day’s Cotton Row Run
    HUNTSVILLE - The Cotton Row Run is a community event. The annual Memorial Day extravaganza, held in downtown Huntsville, again this year will attract ...
    May 20, 2025
    Madison Academy girls surge into soccer finals
    Madison Academy girls surge into soccer finals
    HUNTSVILLE – Madison Academy entered the state soccer tournament scoreless in three previous games at John Hunt Park, including against Donoho last se...
    May 9, 2025

    More Sports Stories

    x

    Sections

    • Home
    • News
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Lifestyles
    • Obits
    • Business
    • Sponsored Content
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Opinion
      • Lifestyles
      • Obits
      • Business
      • Sponsored Content

    Other Publications

    Madison Living Logo Living 50 Plus Logo

    Services

    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise With Us
    • Policies
    • Terms of use
    • Submit a news tip
    • Submit a photo
    • Birth announcement
    • Birthday announcement
    • Engagement announcement
    • Wedding announcement
    • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Advertise With Us
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

    Follow Us

    Copyright

    © , The Madison Record