FRANKLIN—For 25 years, the Jabberwock Contest has given local high school junior and senior girls the opportunity to raise money for college scholarships.

Some have raised up to $10,000.

This year, the rules changed.

The contest sponsored by Franklin Tri-County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was opened to high school boys.

“It (the decision) came down from the national board,” said Norma Jones, journalist for the local chapter. “I think it’s wonderful because the cost to go to college is no different for a female and male.”

Southampton High School’s Brandon Evans, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Tryone Evans, and Windsor High School’s Bryce Lawrence, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Lawrence III, are the only boys to enter this year’s contest, which will culminate at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 6, at Paul D. Camp Community College Workforce Center.

The twelve contestants will be presented and this year’s winner will be announced.

Contestants from Franklin High School are Diamond Bowers, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Bowers; Paula Buck, the daughter Mr. and Mrs. Milton Buck; April Lankford, the daughter of Miranda Claud and Michael Sharpe; and Jazmine Smith, the daughter of Janet Giles.

Additional contestants from Southampton High School include Mariah Jordan, daughter of Bertha Jordan; Amanda Nichols, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tony Nichols; Raven Powell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Powell; Tasheka Rooks, daughter of Calvin Ricks and Tasha Ricks; and LeAndra Watford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. LeAndrew Watford.

Also from Windsor High School is Briana Ricks, daughter of Frances Ricks and the late Walter Ricks.

Each contestant has a sponsor and raises money. The contestant who raises the most money will win. There also will be first, second and third runner-ups.

The first Jabberwock was presented in 1926 in Boston by members of the Iota Chapter.

In an effort to find a new method of raising money for the Iota Chapter’s scholarship fund, Marion Hope Conover conceived the idea of a variety show that would interest groups and individuals in producing skits, dances, songs and pageant in competition for.

It was a success, and the idea caught on with many other chapters of Delta Sigma Theta.

Today, the Jabberwock is considered a Delta institution. Jabberwock funds are earmarked for scholarships to be given by the sponsoring chapter to young women and men.