CALEDONIA, Mich. — Baylee DeVos is a 17-year-old senior at Caledonia High School. She is one of five national finalists in the ‘Stuck on Prom’ scholarship competition sponsored by Duck Tape.
DeVos made a prom dress entirely out of Duck Tape and wore it to her junior prom. Now, she needs your votes in order to win. The grand prize is a $10,000 college scholarship for each winner (dress and tuxedo). Meanwhile, all of the 10 finalists will receive $100 prize packs.
Vote for Baylee by visiting http://stuckatprom.readysetpromo.com/vote-cat1.html?__entry=8426858. The last day to vote is Monday, June 25. Winners will be notified this summer.
I spoke with Baylee DeVos on the phone earlier this week. Here is our interview:
Q: How did you find out about the Stuck on Prom competition?
A: “When I was in middle school, one of my friends told me about it. I’ve always been very interested in art. I thought about it for a very long time. This year, I had enough time. I thought it would be a really fun thing to do.”
Q: How long did it take to work on your Duck Tape dress?
A: “It actually took 86.75 hours, I believe. Me and Blake kind of did the project together. Even though we entered separately, to design the dress and tux, me and him for the vast majority of it. We had a little bit of help from his family as well. Actually I had two art classes at Caledonia High School at the time. I had that time in the day that I could work on it. Each class was 74 minutes long. It was really nice to have that time. It was also sad because I wanted to work on other art projects too. It was very very rewarding and happy that I had that awesome.”
Q: When did you start and finish your dress?
A: “I started before halfway through the school year, just before Christmas. I finished two thirds of the school year. My corsage and hair piece are both made out of duct tape flowers. My earrings and necklace are also made out of Duck Tape as well. The skirt made it easier to walk in mine. I could only move my shoulders not my elbows.”
Q: How did you end up meeting your friend Blake, who is also in the competition?
A: “We went to the Kent Career Technical Center. It’s a career class, like trade school, that both of us went to for graphic design. He goes to Potter’s House High School. We learned how to put colors together and create design. We knew each other a month or two before I asked him if he wanted to do it. He hadn’t heard of it. I explained to him. He was really excited about it. Its been a lot more than either of us expected to be. I did it all on a phone app to start with and a sketch book. We honestly just sort of made it up. I wanted to do something modest and Victorian.”
Vote for Blake at: http://stuckatprom.readysetpromo.com/vote-cat2.html?__entry=8427927
Q: How were you involved in helping Blake with his tux?
A: “I started on it at the end of my art classes. We both took it over when I had no longer had those art classes. His is really unique because basically everything on it is Duck Tape. It’s pretty fun that he has the shoes and the hat are covered and decorated in Duck Tape so they have the structure. The tuxedo had no fabric. It is double sided. Basically, we created the entire tux that way. It was still a little sticky to wear just because it was so hot. Not because of adhesive. His is more fitted. Blake’s tie is really tie-able. We have to tie and re-tie every time we wear it to some place.”
Q: What was it like wearing the dress to your junior proms? What did the other students say?
A: “We got a lot of compliments from it. A lot of people asked if we were hot or uncomfortable? We answered yes. A lot of people asked if they could touch it. We had teachers want to take selfies with it. People wanted to touch the purse or the corsage or try on Blake’s hat. I’m looking forward to not wearing Duck Tape. I just want to enjoy senior prom as normal.”
Q: What happens with your Duck Tape dress now? Will you get to wear it again?
A: “We have to send it in to the contest at the end of the voting. They are going to put it into the Duck Tape Hall of Fame. I am definitely OK with letting it go. We had to wear it four times–two prom and two photo shoots. One for Ace Hardware. They gave us a bunch of Duck Tape. They flew in some people from Chicago in the parking lot and in the aisle with the Duck Tape. That was pretty fun.”
Q: I understand some local business actually sponsored you.
A: “We have three Caledonia sponsors to cover the costs of the Duck Tape and mention them. They are pretty cool in helping us that way. The other one was the photo shoot for the contest at Amway Grand Hotel. Contempo Salon donated some money and displayed mannequin in the window. Mueller’s Paint and Paper were really great at advertising. They have the dress in their store window. The tux is in Ace Hardware.”
Q: How would you feel if you and Blake won the competition?
A: “I would honestly be so thrilled. The contest is something I’ve been following for so long. I’ve been admiring the different ones on the websites. My favorite thing about winning would be that I’m trying to raise as much money as I possibly can. I’ve made a resolution that I’m not going to take out any student loans.”
Q: What are your college plans? Have you decided on a major?
A: “I’m definitely interested in continuing with graphic design. Probably Ferris State. I love their program. It’s also linked to the KCTC. I’ve been working for a full tuition scholarship for Ferris but I still have to pay for room and board. Winning that prize would cover a full year of Ferris. That would be really really helpful and really amazing.”
Q: What are some of your hobbies outside of Duck Tape?
A: “I really love all things art. That’s why I had the art classes to begin with. I love doing portraits and painting and potters wheel. I love business. I’ve gone to a couple of business camps. That’s been a lot of fun. I really love the outdoors. I got my first deer two years ago. My family and my faith as well. They were super supportive. My mom has been amazing helping me campaign. I believe that god does really have a plan. I’ve been thrilled. It’s been a big blessing. I really like a lot of christian music especially radio station WCSG. Tobymac and Twenty One Pilots are my favorites.”
Q: How can people help you win the competition?
A: “We’re asking people to sign up for text remind group. You get a reminder everyday at noon. Right now, we have roughly 635 people signed up combined.”
Vote for Baylee by visiting http://stuckatprom.readysetpromo.com/vote-cat1.html?__entry=8426858. The last day to vote is Monday, June 25. Winners will be notified this summer.
