Devvista Develops the official website for Gary Parr’s $10,000 Parr Shakespeare Prize Recognizing Excellence in Shakespeare Education
Overview
Gary Parr founded the Parr Shakespeare Prize to honor teachers of Shakespeare at the high school level in the US. The inspiration was his own experience in the 10th grade in the public schools of North Carolina when his exceptional English teacher taught Julius Caesar. His teacher, Miss Margaret Gragg, taught in a manner that engaged and facilitated students actually understanding Shakespeare. Mr. Parr hired Devvista to design a website that would (i)reflect his artistic desires, (ii) have an ease of use for nominations and applications and (iii)have a robust database and programing method for the judging process. Devvista programed the website and database to meet these complex requirements.
The Challenge
The challenge was to carefully bring Mr. Parr’s design to life as a responsive and easy-to-use WordPress site, while creating a backend system to support the platform’s specific needs. This included managing nominations, handling applications, and providing secure access for screeners and judges to review submissions. Devvista focused completely on the technical side, making sure the site ran smoothly and met all the needs of the award process.
Our Approach to Design, Development, and Strategy
User-Centered Design
Our approach was based on a user-centered design. We made sure the website was easy to use, with all important information just a few clicks away. The design was maintained simple but attractive, making it both professional and accessible to users with different levels of technical skill. Each part of the website was designed to guarantee that the user experience was seamless, simple, and enjoyable.
Responsive Development
We designed the website to be fully responsive, allowing users to view and interact with it on PCs, tablets, and smartphones. The responsive design ensures that visitors always have the best viewing experience, whether they are nominating a teacher or submitting an application for the Parr Prize on the go.
Intuitive Nomination and Application Process
The main feature of the website was the nomination and application system, which had to be both easy to use and detailed. We designed the forms to be simple yet capable of collecting all the necessary details for both nominations and applications. The process was designed to be user-friendly, guiding the user through every step while maintaining the necessary level of detail and professionalism.
Technology and Tools
We used WordPress as the platform for ease of use and growth, along with a selection of carefully chosen plugins that improved the site’s functionality without making it difficult for the user experience. These tools allowed us to create dynamic pages and interactive features that would ensure a smooth and engaging experience for both users and admin.
A Platform Celebrating Exceptional Shakespeare Educators
The launch of ParrShakespeare.org marked a meaningful step toward Gary Parr’s vision of recognizing outstanding high school teachers who bring Shakespeare’s genius to life. Created by Devvista, the platform serves as a central portal for students, educators, and nominators to engage with the Parr Shakespeare Prize—an annual award honoring three exceptional educators with a $10,000 prize each. Built with a focus on professionalism and accessibility, the website streamlines the nomination and application processes, making them easy to navigate while maintaining the prestige and integrity of the award. The intuitive design ensures that teachers can be nominated effortlessly and that users of all technical backgrounds can participate. At its core, this project is about celebrating educators who inspire future generations, helping students connect with literature in meaningful ways. Gary Parr’s idea inspired us at Devvista to use technology not just to build a platform, but to champion the vital role teachers play in shaping young minds. The result is a user-friendly, thoughtful platform that reflects the spirit of the prize—honoring excellence, empowering education, and making an impact.
“Working with Mr. Samowal and his team at Devvista to develop the website has been productive and a pleasure. The quality of work delivered is everything I am accustomed to in my Wall Street career—first-rate, professional, and highly responsive.”
FAQ’s
When do nominations close?
Nominations close on 30 July 2025. The application deadline is 24 August 2025.
Who is Gary Parr and what is his role in the Parr Shakespeare Prize?
Gary Parr is the founder of the Parr Shakespeare Prize, dedicated to honoring educators who bring Shakespeare’s works to life and inspire the next generation.
What is Devvista’s role in the Parr Shakespeare Prize?
Devvista was responsible for developing the ParrShakespeare.org website, ensuring a user-friendly and professional platform for both nominations and applications.
How does the Parr Shakespeare Prize support educators?
The prize awards $10,000 to three outstanding teachers each year, recognizing their dedication to inspiring students through Shakespeare’s works.
How can teachers apply for the Parr Shakespeare Prize?
Teachers can submit their applications through the simple and intuitive online platform available at ParrShakespeare.org.