Hostway Announces Third Annual Web Design Contest for Chicago Area High School Students

Next generation of technologists compete for citywide recognition and prizes.

Chicago, IL—Monday, February 28, 2005—Do you know a high school student who can create a better Web site than a professional Web designer? How about a high school technology class that has designed a Web site that blows your mind? Or are you a high school student who has designed a phenomenal Web site and are ready to show it off?

Here is your chance.

Chicago’s next generation of high school Web designers will have the opportunity to enter their Web sites in Hostway Corp.’s third annual “High School Web Designers of the Future” contest, which today began accepting nominations. For the third year, Web hosting industry leader Hostway is joined by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley’s Council of Technology Advisors in co-sponsoring the contest.”

Contestants may submit entries until May 9, and winners will be selected May 23.

“We’re proud of the job our schools have done in keeping pace with technology and preparing students for success in a technology-dominated world,” said Mayor Richard M. Daley. “This contest reflects our high school students’ achievements, and recognizes the talents they have developed.”

The Chicago area “High School Web Site Designers of the Future” contest prizes include two top-of-line laptop PCs and $2,000 in scholarships. This year’s top winner will receive $1,000 scholarship and a Dell Inspiron 8600 laptop (up to a $1,500 value). The second place finisher will receive a $500 scholarship and a Dell Inspiron 8600 laptop. Third prize is a $500 scholarship.

Hostway designed the contest to challenge Chicago area high school students to tap into their technical talents, including self-taught designers and those who have taken advantage of formal Web design courses available through their high schools. Students will compete on the basis of content, structure and navigation, visual design, functionality and success of their Web sites.

A distinguished panel of judges for the contest will include representatives of the Mayor’s Council of Technology Advisors, Junior Achievement Chicago and Hostway, among others.

“We are proud to be holding our third annual high school Web design contest along with the Mayor’s Council of Technology Advisors,” said John Lee, vice president of marketing at Hostway. “It is very important that we recognize the talent of these tech-savvy high school students. This contest’s main goal is to support the technical and creative development of high school students who are considering careers in information technology.”