People Magazine named Orrin "Checkmate" Hudson a “Hero Among Us" in the January 21st issue, (page 141 available in stores until January 18, 2008 so hurry to get your copy) for his dedication to teaching at-risk kids to turn their lives around by linking life strategies to strategies from the game of chess...
People Magazine named Orrin "Checkmate" Hudson a “Hero Among Us" in the January 21st issue, (page 141 available in stores until January 18, 2008 so hurry to get your copy) for his dedication to teaching at-risk kids to turn their lives around by linking life strategies to strategies from the game of chess. “Changing lives one move at a time” is his mantra and Orrin has changed the lives of urban youths by the thousands. The honor that People magazine has bestowed on Orrin is one in a series of notable honors Orrin has received for his years of tireless work as an agent of change where it is needed most.
Orrin, a former state trooper and United States Air Force veteran, developed the award-winning Be Someone program, which teaches at-risk students to master life skills through the game of chess. This has become Orrin’s full time, life’s work as he lives to teach, coach, speak to make a difference in the lives of youths that need direction and a leadership mentor in their life.
"He's got a way with kids that's miraculous," says Jane Fonda, after the charismatic Hudson conducted his program for Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (G-CAPP), the organization she founded for at-risk teens. Hudson has mentored over 20,000 children and teens since he founded the non-profit crime prevention program in 2001.
Chanting catchy phrases like “Heads Up, Grades Up, Pants Up”, Hudson leads chess students through fast-paced lessons that use chess strategies as a metaphor for life. Be Someone teaches students to master life skills that improve their concentration, increase their grade point average and keep them in school; it teaches teamwork; instills a commitment to community; and models leadership and American values.
Hudson is expanding his outreach program across the country. "My goal is to mentor one million students, in all 50 states, by 2010. Every child deserves to have the tools and confidence to help them Be Someone special. I need the help of dedicated business people, community leaders and educators to continue this work….and you have an opportunity to help this cause.” Orrin is available for interviews, speaking engagements, and ‘life lessons through chess’ coaching sessions. His non-profit organization, besomeone.org, is also seeking charitable donations and Corporate sponsorships.
For more information about Be Someone, to make a donation, or to have Orrin Hudson speak at your school or organization or conduct a teacher training, please visit www.BeSomeone.org.