Ila Ellerbe won the prize for Most Realistic fashion project at the Poplar Bluff Middle School Junk to Funk Fashion show, in a dress made of Daily American Republic newspapers. She and her mother, Brittanee, used thread, Velcro and a little packing tape to construct a petticoat, bodice and waistband. Ila’s favorite part of the design was the placement of comic strips on the front and sides of her skirt.