How to create a nice annoucment banner?

I moderate r/verticallychallenged, and would like to know how to create a nice looking annoucment banner, for news and stuff. I'd like it right now to annouce tryouts for new mods, but just knowing in general would be nice. Also, I'd like to know how to "sticky" a post on top of my page, but if that's not possible that's fine. thanks.

EDIT: ANNOUNCMENT BANNER, stupid fingers