Bridge Club Proves Popular at Jack Abrams School
Who would have ever thought that a bridge club could be so popular with fourth, fifth and sixth graders? Yet, there they were, 17 Jack Abrams Intermediate School students collecting certificates of excellence after completing a 16-week after-school program of instruction in contract bridge.
The initiative kicked off in January after Principal Mary Stokkers gave the green light for members of Long Island Bridge for Youth to begin working with club members, who initially totaled 20 in number. Students met for an hour every Thursday afternoon, studying and playing bridge.
Joan Asheroff, Chris and Jack Sage were the teacher and teacher aides for the program. They were recruited by Long Island Bridge for Youth, an organization established last year to raise funds to establish programs like the one at Jack Abrams School and to take advantage of funds already available from American Contract Bridge League for the same purpose.
Receiving certificates of excellence were students Dawson Wallace, Ty Williams, Moesha Meus, Summer Hushion, Nancy Fallon, Natalie Flores, Lauren Sage, Patrick Hannon, Finn Tucker, William Fallon, Sofia Ornato, Alexis Archer, Mardnie Mentor, Peter Ciccone, Joe Dammers, Eddie Carroll and Stefano Ornato.
Bill Gates and Warren Buffet established a foundation to promote bridge for youth in an effort to improve the scholastic achievements of participants. Research funded by the pair of billionaires indicated there is significant intellectual improvement in children who receive bridge instruction and play.
“The primary reason may be the development of inferential reasoning, the application of math skills and problem solving,” Jack Sage said. “They funded the program through the American Contract Bridge League. Long Island Bridge for Youth was established last year to teach bridge at schools, libraries and parks and recreation programs.”
The Jack Abrams School students were quick learners and they began playing bridge after the first lesson. The youngsters typically played one or two hands during each hour long session, along with receiving instruction and coaching. Parents and teachers at the school were enthusiastic supporters of the program.
Mrs. Stokkers hopes the program will grow in future years and serve to enrich the lives and enhance the academic performance of students who participate in the club.
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