The Jerald Jude Spelling Bee PH, approved by the official Scripps National Spelling Bee based in the U.S., is an organization dedicated to promoting literacy, academic excellence, and confidence among young students. Founded by Jerald Jude Chavez Campana, who placed 23rd in the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee, the organization was created to provide high school students in the Philippines with opportunities to develop their vocabulary, communication skills, and love of learning through academic competition. We aim to inspire students to challenge themselves, build self-confidence, and discover the value of hard work and perseverance through this spelling bee program. Our mission is to bring the Scripps National Spelling Bee to the Philippines. We plan to start this in our hometown in Naga City with the goal of making it a national event in the Philippines with the Philippines national champion competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

Jerald Jude Chavez Campana

Jerald Jude Chavez Campana was born in Washington, D.C. At two and a half years old, he started Pre-K3 at St. Ann Catholic School in Arlington, Virginia. He transferred to St. Albans School in Washington, D.C. for fifth grade, the most competitive grade level to enter in that school.

Jerald discovered spelling bees when he started Form B (fifth Grade) at St. Albans School. Seeking national achievement, he participated every year since fifth grade except during the pandemic when the bee was held online, sharpening his skills along the way. In 2023, he defeated thousands of other spellers when he won his school bee, cluster bee, and city bee in order to advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the largest program of its kind in the world. There, he advanced to the semifinals, ultimately placing 23rd. Inspired by his educational and transformative experience, he spearheaded the creation of the Jerald Jude Spelling Bee PH in order to afford a similar experience to high school students in the Philippines. He currently serves as Head Pronouncer and head official of the Jerald Jude Spelling Bee PH.

Sheila Chavez

Sheila Chavez is Jerald Jude’s doting, selfless, and compassionate mother. She has raised Jerald in a structured environment when she stopped working when Jerald was born until he was in first grade. Going back to the work force and despite her very demanding job in a law office in Washington, D.C., she has devoted her time fully supporting Jerald in all of his academic and extracurricular activities taking advantage of all the opportunities St. Albans School has to offer.

Sheila helped Jerald greatly on his journey into the Scripps National Spelling Bee. With Jerald’s very busy schedule at school, he can only study for the spelling bee after 10:00PM or 11:00PM. At that time, nobody was available to help him study the words but the mom. A Filipino national, her accent and unfamiliarity with complex English, French, Italian, and Latin words were obstacles when practicing the words of the champions. However, through patience and perseverance, she successfully helped Jerald Jude practice thousands of words where he successfully placed 23rd in the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee. She now serves as the Executive Director of the Jerald Jude Spelling Bee PH.