A New Jersey teenager is a finalist for a $10,000 scholarship because of a prom tuxedo he constructed entirely from duct tape.
Nicholas Matawa says his American flag-themed tuxedo cost about $90 to make using 29 rolls of red, white and blue duct tape, complete with duct tape top hat. NJ.com reports Matawa wore the tuxedo to his Brick Memorial High School prom, which had an "Around The World" theme, last month.
Matawa said Friday he never thought he'd have receipts for that much duct tape. For his effort, he's now a finalist in a scholarship competition run by Duck brand — which inspired Matawa to make the tuxedo. The Duck Tape Stuck at Prom contest requires participants to create and wear a dress or tuxedo made entirely of Duck brand tape. Online voters will determine the winner, which will be announced on July 9.
Matawa was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome at a young age, his mother says. She was told by doctors that he would be lucky to graduate high school.
"Well not only has he defied the odds, he has excelled at doing it," Renee Nitti told NBC10 Philadelphia. "He has been accepted into Marshall University in West Virginia. He will be getting a degree in radio and TV Management."
After applying for FAFSA and a number of college grants, the family is still seeking enough money to send Matawa to college. This $10,000 would go a long way toward Matawa's dream of attending Marshall, his mother said.
Matawa will now send his tuxedo to Duck Brand headquarters in Ohio for the Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest. A scholarship winner will be announced on July 9. Click here to vote for Matawa's design.
