Contributed by the Minden Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Due to Covid-19, the Minden Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held a photo/video shoot at Academy Park in Minden Saturday, June 27th from 9-11 a.m. The theme of this year’s Jabberwock was “Jabberwock In Delta Land”. The Park was transformed into Delta Land for the morning.
Entering Delta Land first was former Miss Jabberwock 2019 Kaelynn Ornelle Williams the 10 year old daughter of Stepfret Williams Jr. and Kristi Williams. Kaelynn gave a beautiful speech expressing how wonderful her past year as Miss Jabberwock was. She then congratulated the reigning Jabberwock queen and princess.
Gracing Delta Land next was Jabberwock Princess Justyce J‘Shira Cooksey. Justyce strolled down the brick path wearing a beautiful long red dress that sparkled in the morning sun. She truly looked the part of a princess. Princess Justyce is the 8 year old daughter of Ciji Cooksey and Kenneth Ray Jackson. Her grandparents are Patricia Hawkins, Harvey and Debra Cooksey, and the late Roxanne Jackson.
Finally Gracing Delta Land in all her splendor was our gorgeous Jabberwock queen 2020 Kaeleigh Alijah-Marie Qualls. Kaeleigh wore a gorgeous satin white gown with a diamond encrusted bodice and neckline. Kaeleigh’s dress flowed gracefully as she slowly walked through the park to receive her crown. She gave a truly inspiring speech as she accepted the title of Miss Jabberwock 2020. Kaeleigh is the 10 year old daughter of Alicia Qualls and Caesar Nelmas. Her grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Ivery Joe Qualls and Caesar Nelmas and the late Sharlene Nelmas.
Preparing the walkway for Miss Jabberwock 2020 was Delta Land Drum Major/crown bearer, Davian Josiah Mitchell, from Ruston, Louisiana, his parents are Precious Hubbard and Derrick Mitchell. The Delta Land Cheerleaders/flower girls, separately cheered on the 2020 royal court by shanking their red and white pom poms and chanting cheers of congratulations. Delta Cheerleader D is Kattaliya Cornelius daughter of Ashley Cornelius, E – Addilyn Grace Brown daughter of Kaitlyn Dixon and Laderion Brown, L – Serenity Ulece Green daughter of April Green, T – Chazzidy Lewis daughter of Antva Alstork, and A – Iyonna Rose Johnson Maxie daughter of Cherrie Maxie and Antoine Johnson.
Following the COVID-19 guidelines, only members of the Jabberwock committee could attend. All precautions were followed: wearing mask and social distancing. Each participant was filmed and photographed individually. Parents had to stay in cars until it was time for their child to participate. Even though things had to be handled differently it was still a blessed and lovely morning with beautiful queens, a princess, adorable cheerleaders and a drum major. This is the 59th year of Minden Alumnae’s Jabberwock Pageant.
Special thanks to Mr. Douglas Blow, the photographer/videographer for this event and Mrs. Cherrie Maxie for coordinating the little cheerleaders.
The funds raised from the pageant are earmarked for scholarships and public service projects. The proceeds are also used to maintain Delta Sigma Theta’s FIVE POINT PROGRAM THRUST-Educational Development, Economic Development, Physical and Mental Health, Political Awareness and Involvement, and International Awareness and Involvement.
Minden Alumnae Chapter President, Sarah B. Martin and members would like to thank the community for their support. The Jabberwock committee chairs were Angela West and Delphia Stevens.