Among all the staff that The Rambler has, DeMere Strickland might be the most important. DeMere is the current sitting Editor-in-Chief of The Rambler. DeMere does his duty by managing the team through extended periods of time. He also makes sure that the team turns in their articles by the time allotted and checks for errors and mistakes that a staff writer could make.

Not only is DeMere the leader of the newspaper, he is also the leader of Chess Club.

The club consists of students at Prep who want to hone their chess skills, and also act as a social medium for students who want to meet and socialize.

“I think it’s a good way for kids to meet up, play chess with each other, and socialize.” says DeMere. “It’s awesome that a good part of the club is made of freshmen, which helps that class bond even better for their next four years here.”

The leader of Chess Club is chosen in an interesting, but fitting way: by a chess match.

“The motive is to put the Seniors against each other and let the best chess player win,” DeMere said. “It just so happens that I bet out Dat Phan for the role of leader.”

Being a leader is quite important to DeMere, because he sees himself as a role model to other students.

“It’s nice being a leader to the underclassmen within the club, but they should also view me as an equal as well,” DeMere said. “It’s understanding that they see me as [a leader] because I’m a senior, but also I want to learn some chess moves from them.”

Chess is a activity that has been growing in popularity at Prep, mainly because many games have been blocked on the student’s iPads, but some chess websites remain unblocked.

“Some classes in which I have free time I play against another classmate, just to pass the time” DeMere said. “There are a few other students that I play with that enjoy chess as well, and we end up having a lot of fun. Sometimes when our two different styles collide, there ends up being a very good, long, hard, thought-out game.”

DeMere has a lot on his plate, but he still manages to maintain his composure. He has good grades and a nice, simple lifestyle. Outside of chess and school he likes to play video games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. DeMere is a very humble, quiet person, but his style of play in chess is very polarizing. DeMere is usually aggressive and seeks to go all out on his opponents.

“Most times when I play, I go aggressively, but I will be passive if I have to,” DeMere said. “But when I see a blunder, I seek to take advantage of the situation and attack. You just can’t sit back and be passive. If an opportunity is given, you have to take it. It doesn’t just go for chess but for life as well.”

But what’s most important to him is that he enjoys the game.

“I really like playing chess and what it gives me,” DeMere said. “It gives me a place where I can think without distractions and have fun while doing it.”