Detroit's University Prep and Middle School has returned home shining. 

Making a mark on the Supernationals VI Tournament hosted in Nashville TN, the young wood pushers took home first-place titles in the K6 Under 1,400 and the K8 Under 750 sections of the tournament, making them among the best in the nation.

Go ahead babies! 

Aside from winning team awards, UPMS also snagged individual awards that distinguished the top players among the already talented group. 

Cameron Rector, who won a trophy for being the best player in the K8 section, had more to look forward to than just the bling that the trophy offered, “It’s been really exciting for me,” Rector said. “My parents bought me a new phone [after winning].”

Photo: Giphy

Not bad. 

Coach Kevin Fite, a former math teacher turned chess advocate, notes that his job is not just about teaching the children chess but also equipping them with tools for the future. 

“We do a lot because we are not your traditional chess club…We participate in a lot of community service like volunteering at Gleaners and the ‘Bags of Love’ sponsored by UAW-Ford, where we bag Christmas turkeys and other goods…Some days, we talk about real life issues,” he said. “Some of the kids don’t have fathers, and I talk about growing up without my father. Sometimes we’re all crying if something is not going well at someone’s home."

His influence doesn't seem to be lost on the students. 

Charisse Woods, an aspiring scientist who is one of the highest junior ranking females in Detroit, knows why they do so well, "“Mostly because he’s our teacher,” she said. “He’s so inspiring.”

Congratulations beloveds, that's what we call showing up and showing out.