The votes have been tallied, and for the first time in its 18-year history, two creative teens have been named the Grand Prize winners in the Annual Duck® brand Stuck at Prom® Scholarship Contest. Baylee DeVos of Caledonia, MI amazed voters with her elegant Victorian gown; while Charlie Hyman of Greenville, SC stylishly walked away a winner in his funky take on the classic formal suit accented with a Duck Tape® bow tie, cuff links, and sneakers. Each teen won $10,000 for their creations.
“This is the first time interested participants could enter the contest solo – rather than as a couple – for a shot at the Grand Prize, and it definitely opened up the competition to even more awe-inspiring creations,” explains Ashley Luke, category manager at ShurTech Brands, LLC, the company that markets the Duck® brand. “We love seeing the enthusiasm and support our finalists received nationwide, and these two deserving winners certainly struck a chord with voters.”
Baylee has dreamed of participating in the Stuck at Prom contest since middle school. Transforming her dreams into reality, her Victorian ball gown was adorned with an enchanting rose vine design, delicate floral lace (made with clear and white Duck Tape), and ruffles with gold detailing. Factoring in her corsage, clutch, jewelry, and manicure, Baylee’s design took 24 rolls of Duck Tape and more than 85 hours of work.
Taking inspiration from another iconic piece of formalwear, Charlie modernized the classic black tux with gold Duck Tape. From the ferocious hand-cut lion appliqué on his striped, golden jacket down to his dancefloor-approved sneakers, Charlie created a fresh, dashing ensemble. He spent 30 hours and 12 rolls of Duck Tape to create his winning entry.
Through the Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest, Duck brand has awarded more than half a million dollars to high school students to further their education and offset the high cost of college tuition. As in previous years, judges rated contest submissions (nearly 100 this year) based on workmanship, originality, use of colors, accessories, and use of Duck Tape to determine the top 10 finalists. Then, the public voted for their favorites to determine the Grand Prize winners.
The eight runners-up, receiving Duck brand Prize Packs, are Anne Pacheco Timmerman, Emily Kaman, Esperanza Semchuk, and Jordan Amel Douthit in the Dress category; and Blake Johnson, Brenten Bartels, Nicholas Matawa, and Ryan Slanina in the Tux Category.
Visit StuckAtProm.com to see the full 2018 Stuck at Prom® Scholarship Contest Gallery or to learn more about the contest and this year’s winners.
