Idaho student wins $2,000 scholarship for dress made of Duck Tape
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BOISE — Hundreds of hours, thousands of hand-cut feathers and dozens of rolls of duct tape have earned a Boise student national recognition and a college scholarship.
Rio Larson has been named the recipient of the Trust E.’s Choice Award in the Duck brand’s 26th Annual Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest, winning a $2,000 scholarship for a prom dress made almost entirely from Duck Tape.
Inspired by the vibrant colors of a scarlet macaw in flight, Larson spent approximately 760 hours creating the elaborate gown, which features more than 8,000 individual duct tape feathers crafted from 56 rolls of Duck Tape.
The striking design was inspired by Larson’s love of wildlife. A volunteer at the World Center for Birds of Prey and Zoo Boise, she hopes to become a wildlife veterinarian specializing in endangered species.
“This life journey comes from the heart,” Larson said in a news release. “It is not one of prestige or fortune, and I know I will be facing an uphill battle most of the time. But when a passion runs deep, and the heart is full of love and compassion, I believe it is a journey worth taking. I want to make a difference one macaw at a time.”
Larson’s colorful ensemble originally earned her a spot among the contest’s top 10 finalists, selected from more than 150 entries nationwide.
Public voting followed before contest organizers announced she had received the Trust E.’s Choice Award.
The annual Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest challenges high school students across the country to create wearable prom fashions entirely from Duck Tape, with cash scholarships awarded for the most creative designs.
Larson accessorized her macaw-inspired gown with glittering heels, jewelry, a feathered belt and a vibrant headdress, completing a look that transformed ordinary duct tape into an eye-catching work of art while helping fund her future education.