𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝟏𝟎 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐉𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐃 𝐉𝐔𝐃𝐄 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐄𝐄

Determination and composure under pressure paid off for American School student Joshua Silvestre as he secured a place among the Top 10 finalists in the first-ever Jerald Jude Spelling Bee Competition on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the University of Nueva Caceres. Joshua Silvestre, together with fellow American School students Tiffany Marcos, Ronn Castro, and Matt Navarrette, represented the American School of English, Math, and Sciences under the guidance of their coach, Ms. Pineda. Joshua Silvestre’s impressive performance earned him a ₱3,000 cash prize.

The competition challenged participants through multiple rounds that tested not only their spelling skills but also their focus and confidence. Three of the American School representatives successfully advanced through the first four rounds by correctly spelling their assigned words. As the competition narrowed, Matt Navarrette, Ronn Castro, and Joshua Silvestre advanced to the semifinals, where they competed against spellers from different schools across Naga City.

As the competition progressed, Joshua Silvestre secured a place among the Top 10 finalists after correctly spelling the word “psychoanalysis,” completing an impressive five-round journey.

The final round featured students from the University of Nueva Caceres, Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, and Camarines Sur National High School. Emerging as the competition’s first champion was Chan Laurence Agor of Camarines Sur National High School, coached by English teacher Amy Garcia, after correctly spelling the word “doppelganger.”

The competition highlighted the value of preparation, perseverance, and resilience. For American School, the spellers’ efforts and Joshua Silvestre’s Top 10 finish reflected not only individual excellence but also the dedication of the team and their coach in representing the school with pride.