A Washington teenager is proving that creativity, determination, and a little imagination can go a long way. Calina Morgan, a high school student from Poulsbo, has earned national recognition after designing an elaborate prom dress made entirely out of duct tape, a project that has captured attention across the country and earned her a college scholarship.
Morgan was recognized in the 26th Annual Duck Tape® Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest, where students from across the United States compete by creating original prom outfits using only Duck Tape® and crafting tape. Her handmade polka-dot gown stood out among hundreds of entries, earning her the “Most Runway Worthy” special category award and a $2,000 college scholarship.
The award-winning dress took Morgan more than 87 hours to complete and required 29 rolls of duct tape. Inspired by her love for fashion and upcycling thrifted clothing, she designed a princess-style gown with a dramatic circular skirt covered in playful black-and-white polka dots. Every detail, from the bodice to the accessories, was carefully handcrafted using duct tape, transforming an everyday household item into a wearable work of art.
Morgan said the project challenged her in ways she never expected. Working with duct tape instead of traditional fabric forced her to think creatively, solve design problems, and experiment with new techniques. While the process was time-consuming, she described it as an opportunity to combine her passion for fashion, creativity, and transformation into a design that reflected her personal style.
The annual Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest has encouraged students for more than two decades to showcase their artistic abilities by designing complete prom outfits from Duck Tape®. Beyond the creativity involved, the competition also provides students with scholarship opportunities to help fund their education. This year’s contest featured hundreds of entries from around the country, making Morgan’s recognition even more impressive.
Her achievement has become a source of pride for the Poulsbo community and for Washington as a whole. Local residents and supporters have celebrated her accomplishment, praising not only the finished dress but also the patience and dedication required to complete such an ambitious project. As images of the gown spread online, many people were surprised to learn that the elegant design was created entirely from duct tape.
Morgan has also shared that she hopes to study sustainable business in college. Her interest in repurposing materials and giving everyday items a new purpose played a major role in the design of the dress. Rather than simply creating a competition entry, she viewed the project as a chance to demonstrate how creativity and sustainability can work together.
Her story highlights the growing number of young creators using fashion as a form of artistic expression. Across Washington, students continue finding unique ways to showcase their talents, whether through art, music, technology, or design. Morgan’s success serves as a reminder that innovation often comes from thinking differently and embracing unconventional ideas.
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