The Jabberwock is a signature fundraising and scholarship program sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Originally conceived as a creative way to raise funds for scholarships and public service programs, "Jabberwock" is a copyrighted tradition of the Sorority, inspired by Lewis Carroll's whimsical poem Jabberwocky from Through the Looking-Glass. In Carroll’s tale, fantastical creatures gather from across the kingdom for a grand and imaginative pageant—a spirit of gathering and celebration that has inspired decades of Jabberwock presentations.

The first Jabberwock was held in 1925 in Boston, Massachusetts, by members of the Sorority’s Iota Chapter as a unique and dignified method to fundraise for scholarships. Originally envisioned as a musical variety show featuring skits and dances, the Jabberwock has since evolved into a broader celebration of scholarship, service, talent, and cultural pride.

Historically, the funds raised through Jabberwock have supported scholarships awarded to promising youth and funded impactful community service initiatives led by the sponsoring chapter. Today, the Jabberwock has become a cherished tradition marked by elegance, grace, scholarship, and formal presentation to the community, shining a spotlight on the personal accomplishments, academic achievements, and leadership potential of girls and young women.

Participants in the Jabberwock are girls and young ladies in Little Miss Jabberwock (K–4th grade), Jr. Miss Jabberwock (5th–8th grade), and Miss Jabberwock (9th–12th grade) categories. Each Jabberwock participant is encouraged to engage in fundraising activities in support of the Sorority’s scholarship mission and will be eligible to compete for the title of Little Miss, Jr. Miss, or Miss Jabberwock and corresponding monetary awards based solely on each participant’s category placement.

This year’s theme, Pearls of Promise, is a tribute to the journey of self-discovery, confidence, and transformation that each participant will experience. Through a curated series of cultural, educational, and social development activities, participants will engage in experiences that expand their aspirations, strengthen their self-worth, and prepare them for future success.

The Jabberwock Scholarship Pageant will be held on Sunday May 3, 2026 at the Mid America Center starting at 5 p.m.

The Jabberwock journey will culminate in an elegant celebration, where one outstanding young woman will be crowned Miss Jabberwock 2026. More importantly, every participant will walk away enriched by the experience, empowered by the journey, and supported by the scholarships made possible through this initiative.

As we honor the legacy of Jabberwock, we invite the community to join us in this transformative experience, ensuring that we continue to uplift the next generation of leaders, scholars, and change-makers.

Ocean Sherrod 2026 Jabberwock Scholarship Pageant

Omaha Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.