About a month ago, sophomores Beth Scharinger, elementary education major, and Melissa Falk, biology major, heard about the Josh Abbott Band Sorority Spirit contest for sororities to have a chance to win money for their philanthropy, as well as a private concert from a country band. The girls suggested participating in the contest to their sorority, Sigma Sigma Sigma, at a chapter meeting one night. Falk said it was “worth a shot.”

“I love the band, and I wanted to help my sorority out,” Falk said.

On Nov. 19, after the girls had been participating in the contest since Oct. 28, the band announced on their Twitter that Emporia State’s Tri Sigma would receive the “Small School” prize, which is equivalent to fourth place, said Cassandra Lavoro, spokesperson for the contest.

“When I saw the tweet that announced we had won the Small School Award, I immediately dropped my phone and ran to find my sisters,” Scharinger said. “Naturally, we all were laughing, screaming, hugging and dancing around with joy. We were all so happy that our hard work had paid off.”

They didn’t win any money for their philanthropy, but the sorority scored a private concert from JAB. Falk said if they participated in the contest again, “hopefully we could win some (money) next year.”

“We plan on working even harder and already have our goal set at winning the grand prize,” Scharinger said.

To participate in the contest, each sorority had to show their “spirit” for JAB. The first week, Falk said, depended on members of the sorority tweeting at the band with the hashtag #JABSpirit.

“Several people got annoyed because we filled up their timelines with JAB Spirit, but obviously it was worth it,” Scharinger said.

The second week involved putting up videos and pictures showing their spirit for JAB. Tri Sigma made slideshow videos and even a music video where they remade a JAB song to be about their sorority. They also had to encourage people to join their house page, in which they received a total of 120 members.

Scharinger said the best part of the contest was coming together with her sisters to put all of the videos and projects together. She said it was a bonding experience because they were all so motivated to win.

“It was awesome to show off what a great sisterhood we share, and how proud we are to be Hornets,” Scharinger said. “We learned that even though some people may say things that are discouraging, hard work will always pay off.”