The plan is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design, from Ferris State University,
without taking on any student loans. Baylee DeVos of Caledonia invested significant
time and effort to pass a milepost on the way to that avowed goal, winning the Stuck
at Prom Scholarship Contest offered by ShurTech Brands, LLC, the manufacturer of Duck
Tape.
As the grand-prize winner for prom dresses in 2018, DeVos has earned a $10,000 scholarship, as her Victorian-style gown and ensemble topped a field of 93 entries. Her victory came about as votes were registered online at the contest’s website, something DeVos said was supported by Ferris Graphic Design professors.
“It has honestly been amazing. The community support I have received is certainly more than I expected,” DeVos said. “There was even some social media buzz, from Ferris. We had contributions of materials to make our outfits (Baylee’s date, Blake Johnson of Potter’s House High School in Wyoming, had a tuxedo and accessories made of Duck Tape) it was all a little overwhelming, but amazing. I first dreamt of participating in the contest in middle school, and it was wonderful to see it turn into what will be an incredible memory.”
Her outfit required 24 rolls of materials and 86 hours to construct. Johnson’s gear also used 24 rolls of tape and was completed in 64 hours.
Though the scholarship is won, the pursuit of the Graphic Design degree is more gradual, as DeVos is heading into her senior year at Caledonia High School. She plans to enter a dual-enrollment program at the Kent Career Technical Center as she moves toward high school graduation in 2019.
“I am taking the 3D Animation and Game Design program at KCTC,” DeVos said. “I am very excited by that prospect of earning my first college credits and am looking forward to what I will be learning. My contacts in the Graphic Design faculty have helped me to know which high school courses would benefit me the most.”
DeVos was also struck by how Ferris’ Graphic Design program is aligned with the university’s College of Business.
“I have been to other schools, and Ferris’ method is unique. I believe it will be beneficial to my career goals,” DeVos said. “Professor Jeff Ek has given me a tour, specific to Graphic Design, and I have heard wonderful things from an alumna of the program.”
DeVos has completed her Ferris application. She has high hopes of earning a Founder’s Scholarship, which would cover her tuition.
“It’s nice to know that because of Stuck at Prom, my first year at Ferris is already covered,” DeVos said. “I had a tour of Ferris when I was a freshman and left there feeling it was a place that I would love to be at. I am blown away by how the campus is small enough that you get to know many people but big enough to offer impressive dining facilities and produce excellent students.”
DeVos remains humble about her recent success and the advance on her career goals.
“I credit God for the amazing blessing I have received,” DeVos said. “I am thrilled
at the prospect of attending Ferris, with hopes of being part of His House when I
get to campus. I can’t wait to spend my senior year working toward that goal.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Caledonia teen Baylee DeVos, who plans to enroll in Ferris State University’s
Graphic Design program, is shown here in her Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest-winning
Duck Tape dress. The contest was sponsored by ShurTech Brands, LLC, the manufacturers
of Duck Tape.