#United States #Stuck at Prom #Scholarship Contest #Duck Tape #Avon, Ohio

Celebrating Creativity: The 2026 Stuck at Prom® Scholarship Contest Winners

On July 21, 2026, Duck® Brand proudly announced the winners of the annual Stuck at Prom® Scholarship Contest. This year, an impressive array of designs crafted from Duck Tape® showcased not only the creativity of student designers but also their hard work and dedication. Hundreds of hours were spent converting this everyday material into stunning wearable art, culminating in the triumph of two exceptional individuals: Sophie C. from Union City, California, and Jeremiah C. from Westland, Michigan.

The Grand Prize Winners

Sophie and Jeremiah stood out among a crowded field, each earning a $10,000 scholarship for their incredible designs. Sophie captivated judges with her pink, cake-inspired gown that was both whimsical and meaningful, while Jeremiah showcased an equally striking tuxedo that embraced modern elegance.

Sophie C.'s Cake Gown

Sophie devoted 250 hours to crafting a gown reminiscent of a strawberry cake using 35 rolls of Duck Tape®. Her inspiration drew from her personal journey with beauty and femininity. "This dress reflects my growth in understanding that I don’t conform to society's standards of beauty," she explained. Sophie's standout design was complemented with unique accessories, such as a duct tape-crafted oversized fork, which playfully echoed her cake theme. The flamboyant hoop-skirt silhouette created an eye-catching impression, representing both innocence and self-acceptance.

Jeremiah C.'s Tuxedo Ensemble

On the other hand, Jeremiah made waves with a bold red and black tuxedo that took 61 hours and used 46 rolls of Duck Tape®. "Fashion has always been a passion of mine, and I wanted to craft something that felt bold yet functional," he remarked. His design featured metallic accents and a dramatic red cape, successfully merging modern couture with practicality. Judges and voters alike were drawn to the artistic storytelling behind his creation.

Highlights from the Runners-Up

In addition to the grand prize winners, eight other talented finalists received recognition for their creativity, each awarded a $1,000 cash prize and a Duck® Brand prize pack worth $100. Among them:

• - Calina M. from Poulsbo, WA, captivated everyone with her black-and-white polka-dot gown, named Runway Worthy.
• - Rio L. from Boise, ID, illustrated her passion for wildlife through her vibrant bird-inspired attire, achieving Trust E.'s Choice Award.
• - Imogen C. from Hillsborough, NC, proudly showcased her tuxedo featuring white wings, symbolizing limitless ambition, earning her the Most Inspiring Award.

Additional finalists included Kaitlyn B., Victoria E., Parker N., Matthew B., and Aiden M., each bringing unique visions and creativity to the table.

Honoring the Spirit of America

This year marked a special iteration of the contest, as Duck® Brand introduced the Red, White & Made By You award, celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Several designs were recognized for their patriotic themes, and awardees received $250 cash prizes:

• - Cole S. from Yorkville, WI
• - Marina N. from Dallas, TX
• - Tanner D. from Mission Viejo, CA
• - Emma F. from Madison, KS

Their creativity was evident in designs reflecting stars-and-stripes motifs, constitutional-era fashion, and even inspiration from classic toys.

Conclusion

Alison Wills, Senior Product Manager at Shurtape Technologies, expressed her admiration for the participants, saying, "The imagination displayed in this year's Stuck at Prom® contest was truly inspiring. Students transformed ordinary rolls of tape into extraordinary designs reflecting their personalities and artistic vision."

For more details on this year’s contest, featured designs, and the stories behind them, visit StuckAtProm.com.

Duck Tape® continues to reign as a versatile creativity tool, helping makers and DIY enthusiasts to express themselves in innovative ways. Celebrating its rich tradition, Duck® Brand remains committed to inspiring creativity among the next generation.