AHOSKIE – The Ahoskie Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presents Jabberwock 2018 – “An Evening of Elegance and Excellence” – at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 28 at Roanoke Chowan Community College

The event is free and open to the public. Area citizens are encouraged to attend this program to support these young ladies as they showcase their talents and pageantry.

Dr. Stanley Elliott, President of Roanoke Chowan Community College and Mary Harrell-Sessoms will serve as Master and Mistress of Ceremonies, respectfully. 

The Jabberwock Scholarship Program consists of five components that support the sorority’s mission and Five Point Programmatic Thrust; Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Economic Development, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.  Each component is strategically planned to integrate relevant youth challenges, issues and concerns with practical solutions, techniques and life skills to enhance young adult development.

The pageant is a biennial event for high school juniors and seniors providing cultural and educational experiences while allowing the opportunity to raise funds for college scholarships.  Special highlights of the pageant include a talent presentation, recognition of Miss Congeniality and the contestant with the highest GPA. 

Miss Brianna Arshay Wesson, 2016 Miss Jabberwock, will give her farewell address during her final stroll. Brianna, a sophomore Biology major at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Archie Wesson of Windsor.

Three gifted and talented young ladies are vying for the title “Miss Jabberwock”.  The 2018 Jabberwock contestants are:

Carrington Alexandria Dudley is the daughter of Wesley and Tarsha Dudley of Windsor. She is a junior honor student at Bertie Early College High School and will graduate with the Class of 2019 with a high school diploma and an Associates Degree. Upon graduation, she plans to attend UNC-Chapel Hill to major in Biology. Thereafter, Carrington plans to further her education by attending medical school in order to reach her long-term goal of becoming an Obstetrician/Gynecologist.

She is actively involved in many extracurricular activities to include: the Academically and Intellectually Gifted Program, Beta Club, BECHS Biotech Club, the Bertie High School Marching Band, the Bertie High School Track Team, and the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church Youth Ministry.  Carrington has volunteered at Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital for the past two summers with their Volunteer Program. She is very excited about her future endeavors.

Ja’Bria Amoni Harrell is the daughter of Teneisha Nicole Harrell and has two sisters, Jaelin and Jenesis.  She is a senior attending Hertford County High School. Her plans are to graduate in 2018 and attend a post-secondary school that will allow her to fulfill her dreams of pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with minor concentrations in music and drama.  Ja’Bria presently has a GPA of 3.25 and is enrolled in the Academically and Intellectually Gifted Program and Honor Classes.

She is a member of HCHS “Soul Sonic Force” Marching Band and serves as the woodwind section leader. Ja’Bria also plays in the HCHS Concert Band. Additionally, she is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, Beta Club and Drama Club. Ja’Bria sings in the HCHS Chorus and the Youth Choir of Rountree Temple C.O.G.I.C. She enjoys traveling, singing, writing music, playing musical instruments and relaxing with friends. 

Amaya Heckstall is the daughter of Antwane “Tony” and Jaime Heckstall.  She is currently a senior at Hertford County High School.  Amaya is a member of the National Beta Club, the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) and a volunteer firefighter with the Ahoskie Fire Department. In the fall of 2018, she will attend Elizabeth City State University majoring in Criminal Justice and Emergency Management.

If asked what her dream is, she would respond saying “My dream is to be a lawyer or a law enforcement officer and someday a politician.  I want to make the world a better place for youth, adults and the elderly”.

Vernetta M. Henderson serves as chairperson of this year’s Jabberwock Steering Committee along with Rosiland T. Grant as co-chairperson.  Other committee members are Reba Carlton, Stephanie Brown-Cherry, Hope Eley, Jac’Quesha Harrison, Natasha Holley, Deboria Outlaw, Linda Peele, Cindy Powell and Camille Rascoe.

Linda McNair-Moore is the 14th President of the Ahoskie Alumnae Chapter.