Jenna Kincy: Winner of the 2019 Be a Bear T-shirt Contest

We met Jenna Kincy as one of three talented designers in the 2019 Be a Bear T-shirt contest. Now we know her as the winner. Kincy’s design won the popular vote and her T-shirt will be available to buy online on March 17 through the bookstore’s website or at Missouri State’s birthday party on March 19.

Sharing the love

Kincy didn’t expect her design to make it into the final round of the contest. She definitely didn’t expect her design to win.

“Honestly, I was surprised. I really loved Jordann’s and Tessa’s designs,” Kincy said. Jordann Wheatley and Tessa Phongsavath were the other two designers in the contest. They’re also Kincy’s classmates and friends. The three designers had a group message together during the voting.

“It didn’t feel like we were in a competition. We were all really proud of each other.”

The entire process for Kincy was one focused on support and appreciation.

“It was cool to see people so excited about the contest and not only talk about my design but hear them talk positively about my two friends too,” Kincy said.

She explained that the art department and her classes are tight-knit.

“We want to encourage each other, and we’re interested in seeing each other’s work. My classmates feel like family, and we want each other to succeed.”

Winning isn’t everything

A portion of the proceeds from the Be a Bear T-shirt sales goes towards the Emergency Scholarship Fund.

“Multiple people have asked me if I won anything or get anything for winning the contest. I have the opportunity to tell them about the scholarship,” Kincy said. Even though Kincy does receive a prize (choice of either a $50 gift card or a fit-bit) and a byline on the T-shirt, she’s more focused on helping people in need.

The Emergency Scholarship Fund helps students facing a life-altering situation or hardship. Some examples include: death of a parent or legal guardian, natural disaster, or fire.

“It’s nice to just be part of helping people whether that’s directly serving or indirectly serving by creating a T-shirt to support a good cause. I like being able to explain what the purpose of this contest is.”

Kincy is still trying to wrap her head around her design winning the contest. It won’t feel real to her until she sees her T-shirts around campus.

Her family has instructed Kincy to buy at least 20 T-shirts once they’re available.

About the Birthday Party

The best place for students to purchase the Be a Bear T-shirt is at the Missouri State Birthday party in the PSU on March 19 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Festivities in the PSU will include: