On June 30, while faculty and students alike enjoyed the long-awaited summer months, a quiet but significant change occurred at the district office: Cary Matsuoka left his post as superintendent of the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District after nearly five years.

Senior Charles Sun racked his brain, digging deep for a move that would outwit his opponent. Then it came to him, a far-fetched series of coordinates that could win the game. There it was, after grueling hours analyzing an eight-by-eight chess board, Sun finally had a checkmate. Then came the thrill of victory at the National Open tournament in 2006 in Las Vegas.