MONROE, Mich. — It took weeks of sticky sewing and 18 rolls of colored duct tape to create the gown and tuxedo that Carol Carveth and A.J. Steinman will wear to Friday's prom at Monroe High School.

        “If you're going to go, you might as well have fun,” Carveth said.

        She got the idea while searching for scholarships online. In the Duck brand duct tape Stuck at Prom contest, sponsored by Manco Inc., couples whose clothing is made with or accessorized by duct tape can win a top prize of a $2,500 scholarship each.

        Avon, Ohio-based Manco also will donate $2,500 to the school where the winners' prom is held. The second-place winners receive $1,000 each and $1,000 for their school. The third-place winners get $500 each.

        In the contest's first year last year, entries came from nearly 500 high school couples from 47 states. The first-place winners were Sarah Silva and Mitch Houseman of Arroyo Grande, Ca.

        This year, hundreds of students nationwide again are competing for the scholarships. The entry deadline is June 14.

        Carveth's and Steinman's mothers cut out patterns, melded duct-tape seams and learned how to sew the sticky material. About every foot, the needle and presser foot had to be cleaned with baby oil to jostle the gunk free.

        Steinman said he's not worried about wearing duct tape to his prom.

        “I think it'll either be a big hit, or a big flop,” he said. “But either way, I'm going.”

        On the Net: www.ducttapeclub.com

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