Family and friends came out in support of the Miss Jabberwock 2008 Scholarship Pageant for graduating high school seniors hosted by the Eta Beta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Friday night in the Nathleyne Archie Kennedy architecture building.
Contestants Ke’Erica Vanduren, Lakendrea Jackson, Kourtni Thomas, and Glorie Holloway, all from Waller High School, competed for the scholarship. Thomas won the first place prize of $500, the second place prize was $250 won by Jackson.
The Miss Jabberwock pageant is an event sponsored by the organization. Dr. Bernadine Duncan, the primary advisor, said that in choosing Miss Jabberwock they look for, “Someone who is goal oriented, articulate, and possesses a high level of self esteem and she must exemplify leadership skills.”
The four ladies began the introduction by performing a dance, after which they told the audience their names, ages, classifications, and their pageant number. Contestant number one was Vanduren, next up was Jackson, followed by Thomas, and finally Holloway. After the introduction, there was a short break for the contestants to change into their active wear, which was based on the sports they participate in.
After the active wear segment, the girls showed off their talents. Vanduren praise danced to the Mary Mary song Shackles. Jackson did a little country singing to a Carrie Underwood song. Both Thomas and Holloway danced on stage; Thomas dancing to Face Off, and Holloway performing to a track from the new Day 26 album.
During the next part of the pageant, the participants were asked about career goals. Vanduren planned on becoming a Navy nurse, and Jackson said she wanted to go into nursing. Thomas said she wanted to be a medical assistant in the Navy, and Holloway said her goal was to become a professional singer.
Then came the introduction of judges Randy Hines, Jereme Gant, and Dean Lewter, and the formal wear segment, followed by the question and answer segment. Vanduren was asked what her most significant accomplishment was to which she replied, “Becoming an early graduate. You have so many obstacles and I overcame them all.”
Jackson was asked what recent goal accomplishment she had attained. She replied, “Obtaining a job while in high school.”
Thomas was asked what she had gained while being in the pageant. She replied that by being in the pageant, she had gained, “Confidence, discipline, and a higher level of self-esteem.”
Holloway’s question was whether she considered herself a giver or a taker. Holloway said she considered herself a giver and that, “Seeing people smile and knowing that you put it there is the best gift of all.”
Lastly was the distribution of awards and the crowning. Holloway was awarded “Ms. Congeniality,” Vanduren won “Most Improved,” Jackson got two awards; one for “Best Business Attire” and another for “Best Question and Answer.”
Thomas walked away with “Best Talent,” “Best Formal,” “Best Athletic,” and was crowned as the 2008 Miss Jabberwock. Last year’s Miss Jabberwock, Clara Walker had the honor of crowning this year’s queen.
Walker recalled when she was crowned as Miss Jabberwock, saying, “I was shocked and happy when I won.” She also said, “It was interesting working with the other girls. It gave me a good networking opportunity.”
When asked what she thought about the pageant, Jackson said, “It was very fun. I had a lot of fun with the girls and it taught me a lot.” Brittany Jackson, Lakendrea Jackson’s sister from Sam Houston State University, said, “I loved this pageant. It was nice seeing the girls turn into beautiful women.”
Thomas was overjoyed about winning the pageant, saying, “It feels amazing.” Thomas also attested to the benefits of pageantry.
“I’ve broken out of my shell and have gained more self confidence,” she said.