Pictured: (left to right) Bria Eyanna Cook first runner-up, Gabrielle David Miss Delta Doll 2025-2027, Kailani Jones third place and (Front left) Chy’ess Mariah Harrison second runner-up. (Courtesy photo).
BENNETTSVILLE — Members of the Bennettsville-Cheraw Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presented their Miss Delta Doll Pageant Saturday, April 26th at 4:00 p.m. at the Marlboro Civic Center in Bennettsville. This year’s theme was “Be You!” The theme provided a platform for participants to show case their talents and embrace their true self.
The Miss Delta Doll pageant is an event that is held biennially by the chapter and exposes girls ages 3-12 to an environment that fosters positive self-concepts and relationships. In preparation for the pageant, the contestants participated in workshops to promote positive relationships, self-development, and health and wellness. Contestants and parents, along with sponsoring sorority members raised funds that will be used to support community service initiatives of the sorority. In addition, each contestant will receive a percentage of funds raised.
Miss Delta Doll 2023, Kaylynn Thomas’s farewell speech was delivered by Qushika Lucas in her absence. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of self- esteem, self-acceptance, and treating others with kindness.
The Miss Delta Doll 2025-2027 and her Court are as follows:
Gabrielle David was crowned Miss Delta Doll. Gabrielle is the daughter of Jamie and Gabrel David. Gabrielle is five years old and attends Dillon Christian School. Her hobbies are singing and dancing. She is a member of New Holly United Methodist Church. Her escort was Tyrese Bethea. Gabrielle was sponsored by Eunice Ray and Karen Clark.
Bria Eyanna Cook was first runner-up. Bria is the daughter of Eyan Cook and Bianca McLaughlin. Bria is eleven years old and attends Blenheim Middle School of Discovery. Her hobbies are singing and baking. She attends the Greater St. James Missionary Baptist Church. Her escort was Braelyn Graham. Bria was sponsored by Qushika Lucas and Sandra Malichi.
Chy’ess Mariah Harrison was second runner-up. Chy’ess is the daughter of Charlene and Marnell Harrison. Chy’ess is four years old. Her hobbies are dancing, singing, and watching Blippi. She attends The Atmosphere Church. Her escort was Jace Harrington. Chy’ess was sponsored by Mishiko Taylor.
Kailani Jones was third place winner. Kailani is the daughter of Ms. Whitney Warren. Kailani is eight years old and attends Wallace Elementary-Middle School. Her hobbies are gymnastics, jumping on the trampoline and drawing. She attends the Greater White Creek Missionary Baptist Church. Her escort was her grandfather Rev. MC Warren. Kailani was sponsored by Yolonda DuPree.
The audience was entertained by performances from each contestant. Bria Cook performed a song titled, “Hallelujah, Salvation, and Glory; Gabrielle David performed a ballet to the tune of “Smile”; Kailani Jones performed a gymnastics routine to the song, “I Want You Back,” and Chy’ess Harrison performed a dance to “Yeah” by Usher. Other entertainment included two selections performed by KaDarrius Ellerbe, “A Change is Gonna Come” and “Thank You.” The
ushers for the event were Mr. Brian Hardison and members of the Lambda Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Mistress of ceremony was Mrs. Tina Mack of Florence, S.C. Stage decorators were Ms. Jessica Ellerbe and Mr. Lux Rozay of Cheraw, S.C. In addition to presentation of gifts and awards, door prize tickets were drawn throughout the event.
The chair for this event was LiAsia Tillman and co-chair Trina Thompson. Chapter president is Gina Owens and vice president is Margaret Quick Primus.