Legacy | A Publication of Lena Pope Legacy Spring 2016 | Page 9

Silent CHA-mpion, Chloe Takes the Bee!

T

hough Chloe is a demure 4th grader at Chapel
Hill Academy, her presence speaks volumes.
Earlier this year, as she took the stage at CHA
in front of hundreds of spectators for the school’s
annual spelling bee. You could feel her fellow students
had a soft spot for the soft-spoken Chloe. When she
spelled the first word with such confidence, the crowd
cheered.

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This is Chloe’s first year at CHA, and her first few
months were a struggle. Chloe is bright and works hard,
but she experiences selective mutism. She is capable
of speech, but the anxiety disorder prohibits her from
speaking in specific situations or even to specific people,
especially authority figures.
“The first few weeks of school were difficult for Chloe,”
said Mr. Maynard, her math and science teacher. “She
wouldn’t speak to any of the teachers, let alone other
students. She would be brought to tears if you called on
her in class. She still won’t ask questions aloud.”

Principal Vicki Sendejo proudly poses with Chloe as she holds Chapel Hill
Academy’s 2015-2016 Spelling Bee Champion trophy.

Chloe is from the Philippines and speaks English as
well as some Tagalog, a Filipino language of which
Mr. Maynard has a basic knowledge. Mr. Maynard
and Mrs. Monroe, Chloe’s reading and social studies
teacher, struggled to involve her in class activities but
have patiently nurtured Chloe along. They watched her
closely and knew when to push and when to pull back.
They made her comfortable.

After just a few short months at her new school, Chloe
had to bravely stand up in front of her entire class and
participate in her classroom’s spelling bee. Showing the
confidence of a seasoned competitor, she won. Chloe
went on to the school finals and persevered through 14
rounds to become CHA’s Top Spelling Champion.

“When we tell jokes or have fun in class, you can see
Chloe giggle and smile,” Mrs. Monroe said. “She has a
big personality. She doesn’t show it often, but you can

tell she is feeling more confident and comfortable in
school.”

“I would say she may have partially conquered some
fears,” said CHA principal Vicki Sendejo. “We are
so blessed to have such an unbelievably talented and
passionate staff who truly care about bringing out the
best in each individual student no matter where they are
or what challenges they bring with them.”

Proud and happy kindergartners at Chapel Hill Academy
show their patriotism as they learn about history on
Constitution Day.

LEGACY 9