Jabberwock Cotillion Returns to Mid-Hudson Valley

MIDDLETOWN – The Mid-Hudson Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. hosted the Jabberwock Cotillion: Crown Your Confidence on Saturday, April 11, at the Barn at Villa Venezia in Middletown, NY. The cotillion, a social coming out event for young Black women, celebrates the academic, artistic, and service achievements of youth in the Mid-Hudson Valley and awards scholarships for their future higher education endeavors.

This year’s gala theme was Crown Your Confidence, as the academic-year long program has aimed to instill self-confidence in each participant through workshops related to whole person self-care, academic enrichment, community service, and the arts, culminating in their crowning presentation at this year’s event. The last time Mid-Hudson Valley Alumnae hosted the Jabberwock was 2020, and this year’s much-anticipated return raised the bar for upcoming years.

The event was supported by over 200 guests, including Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers and Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey. Mayor Harvey also delivered a certificate of recognition to the Mid-Hudson Valley Alumnae chapter for its service and contributions to the greater Mid-Hudson Valley Community.

Nine debutantes participated in this year’s program from Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, and Putnam Counties. The 2026 Mid-Hudson Valley Alumnae Miss Jabberwock was Miss Desirae Rice. The first runner-up was Miss Jhordan Kennedi McFall, and the second runner-up was Miss Anastaisha Daniel. The debutantes were graced with a wonderful inspirational speech by Miss Jabberwock 2020, Ms. Jhanai Scott, who crowned Miss Jabberwock 2026.