ROSCOE VILLAGE — Some artists never get paid for their work, but Jose Melgoza, a junior at Lane Tech College Prep High School, has already snagged a $1,000 scholarship after winning the annual contest to design a reusable tote bag for Chicago's farmers markets.
Melgoza beat out 150 other hopefuls for the honor. He's the first Lane Tech student to take the top prize since the contest was introduced in 2008. His work depicts the words "Chicago Farmers Markets" sprouting out of soil in front of the city's iconic skyline.
Juana Delao, a sophomore at Lane Tech, and Mara Hontanosas, a senior at Mather High School, were named runners-up in the competition. Each received a $500 scholarship. The funds were awarded by Country Financial, a presenting sponsor of Chicago Farmers Markets.
The bags will be available at various farmers markets this summer.
