A high-profile visitor today at West Seattle Elementary School, from half a world away – Phiona Mutesi came to show the students what can happen if you work really hard at something. In her case, it’s chess that’s brought her into the spotlight from an impoverished neighborhood in Uganda. Students are learning it at WSES via the First Move program. Phiona, whose dream is to become a grandmaster, visited a third-grade classroom where chess instruction was happening, before speaking at an assembly:

Those accompanying her for the visit included (at right above) “The Chess Lady.” Phiona’s success, including junior championships in her home country as well as competitions abroad, has been detailed in stories including this one in ESPN Magazine. Tomorrow she will be featured on KING 5 News, whose morning anchor Mark Wright was one of the journalists covering her visit along with our crew.