Governor Ryan Announces Illinois' Commemorative Quarter Design Process, Student Contest, and Quarter Design Web Site

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that Illinois is beginning the first stage of the Commemorative Quarter design selection process. The Commemorative Quarter Program™ is a 10-year initiative, beginning in 1999 and concluding in 2008, commemorating each of the 50 United States. The goal of the first stage is to provide the U.S. Mint with three to five design concepts. The U.S. Mint will use Illinois' concepts to create candidate designs, which will be returned to Illinois for a final selection process.

"I would like to make our design selection process educational and fun for kids of all ages in Illinois," Governor Ryan said. "I am completely open to any good idea, and I encourage everyone to take part in this exciting program." To encourage participation and collaboration among youth and educators in Illinois, Governor Ryan is sponsoring the Governor's Quarter Design Contest for grades K-12. Students can participate by mailing a brief paragraph describing the design idea, accompanied by a drawing, to the Governor's Office.

A Quarter Design Web Site will help facilitate the program in Illinois. The Internet site contains links to the U.S. Mint, educational resources, fun facts about Illinois, and a quarter template for those who would like to print out an outline of a quarter or submit an idea electronically. The Design Selection Process Web Site can be accessed by selecting the quarter icon on the State of Illinois Web Page at www.state.il.us.

Subject matter for design concepts include state landmarks (natural and man-made), landscapes, historically significant buildings, symbols of state resources or industries, official state flora and fauna, state icons, and outlines of Illinois. "Successful submissions will encourage the youth of the United States to explore Illinois, its history and geography, as well as the rich diversity of our heritage," said Ryan. The Governor will call on a special committee to assist him in the selection process, including students.

State's quarters are issued in the order in which they ratified the Constitution and joined the Union. Illinois will be honored in 2003, along with Alabama, Maine, Missouri, and Arkansas. State designs are displayed on the reverse of the quarters. The obverse of the quarters will continue to display the image of George Washington. Individuals who are interested in submitting a design concept can submit materials via mail or e-mail. All ideas and student entries must be submitted before March 2, 2001.

Mail ideas to:
Governor's Office of Citizens Assistance
Attn: IL Commemorative Quarter Program
222 South College, Room 106
Springfield, IL 62706

E-mail ideas to:
ilquarter@gov.state.il.us