Debutante cotillion court winners
The Chattanooga Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in collaboration with DeSTI Foundation, crowned Miss Jabberwock 2024 and the first Miss Legacy at its inaugural Debutante Cotillion fundraiser at the Chattanooga Convention and Trade Center.
Miss Jabberwock 2018 Miss LaRyn Claridy relinquished her title, crowning Miss Carrington Matthews as the Miss Jabberwock 2024. In addition, she crowned the first Miss Legacy Miss Soriyah Ware. Miss Zaria Spight won the title Miss Crimson (1st runner up), and Miss Amari Sims won the title Miss Cream (2nd runner up). The event highlighted previous Miss Jabberwocks who were in attendance, including Miss Jabberwock 1961 Mrs. Rebecca (Provine) Cowan, Miss Jabberwock 1991 Mrs. Doneda (Washington) Newbill, Miss Jabberwock 1997 Mrs. Sherinda (Washington) Hampton, and Miss Jabberwock 2015 Sydnee Ruff. The Mistress of Ceremony for the event was Miss Jabberwock 2000, Mrs. Jade (Dodds) Miller.
Dressed in formal white ball gowns, 16 debutantes from local public and private high schools within Hamilton County were introduced to society. The event included the debutantes performing the traditional waltz with their fathers or father figures and their youth escorts, dinner, and an evening of dancing.
This year’s theme, “Unmasking Greatness” focused on providing the debutantes with a transformative experience so the young ladies will have the courage and determination to unmask their greatness to create and change their individual and collective futures, said officials.
Throughout the eight-month debutante season, the participants engaged in a series of workshops (e.g., Money Management, College Preparation, Real World Readiness, and Etiquette Class) and offsite activities (e.g., HBCU College Tour, Ice Skating, and August Wilson’s Play) to enhance personal growth and development. In addition, the debutantes planned and hosted a Youth Town Hall with Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy.
The Miss Jabberwock pageant is a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. traditional and cultural endeavor. The Jabberwock program represents an evening of elegance while advancing the goals and objectives of the Delta scholarship program. Proceeds from the 25th triennial fundraiser will enable the Chattanooga Alumnae Chapter to continue to provide annual scholarships for Hamilton County graduating young ladies and fund community service projects.
The debutantes and their escorts