FERNDALE - Whatcom County chess players made a big impression at a high school championship held over the weekend.

The Washington State High School Individual Championship, which is usually held in the Seattle area, took place Friday and Saturday, Jan. 27 and 28, at Ferndale High School.

Ferndale High School student Paul Valdez took third place in the state at the tournament, competing in the championship division, the top of three sections in the tournament.

Here are other local winners at the state championships:

- Dylan Blok of Lynden Christian High School took 5th place in the middle premier division.

- Daniel Erickson of Ferndale High School took 3rd place in the reserve division.

- Phillip Booth of Blaine High School took 4th place in the reserve division.

- Robert Knapp of Lynden High School took 5th place in the reserve division.

- Lake Sullivan of Ferndale High School took 6th place in the reserve division.

- Devon Tefft-Meeker of Sehome High School took 10th place in the reserve division.