Alaska teen uses light-up dresses to combat darkness and inspire joy

Local News Teen using light-up dresses to combat darkness honored for her work in STEM By Jacob Wycoff Jacob Wycoff Jacob Wycoff is a meteorologist at WBZ-TV and will contribute to weekend morning newscasts. Jacob is a member of the National Weather Association and the American Meteorological Society. Read Full Bio Jacob Wycoff Updated on: April 17, 2026 / 4:41 PM EDT / CBS Boston Add CBS News on Google High school senior Sara DeVolld is finding her own way to brighten the world - one stitch at a time. The teen from Alaska is creating clothing to combat the prolonged darkness in her state and the health impacts that can come with it."I am a fourth-generation Alaskan," said DeVolld. "This is my design company, Vintage Train Case, where I fuse modern science and technology with classic art and design."Gowns embedded with lightsWhat started with fabric scraps and a childhood love of sewing has grown into a nationally recognized effort to bring light - both literally and figuratively - to her community."Many Alaskans suffer from what's called seasonal affective disorder and consequently, Alaska has the second highest suicide rate in the nation," said DeVolld. "I aim to combat that by bringing light and joy to a world that can seem dark and overwhelming."DeVolld designs custom gowns embedded with LED lights and even mechanical components, including a 6-foot pair of wings that open using a motorized actuator. Some of her creations take over 300 hours to complete. DeVolld sews each dress by hand, engineers the lighting, and integrates STEM elements herself, a process she taught herself using online tutorials and trial-and-error.Honored by National STEM FestivalDeVolld was selected as a National STEM Champion and traveled from Alaska to Washington, D.C., to share her message of creativity, light, and self-expression."I was amazed, I was debating whether I should even enter," DeVolld recalled. "Because what I do doesn't really check a box, it's hard to kind of fit into a cat...