Kids Tag Art Special Awards – Indian River County, FL
Kids Tag Art is getting more attention than ever as 22 Florida Tax Collectors, including Indian River County, are now participating in the popular Kids Tag Art program.
According to floridataxcollectors.com, “The Kids Tag Art program inspires young artists to create their own unique design, learning the practical application of license plate art to support worthy causes fashioned after Florida’s 100+ specialty license plates.”
In 2018 the Florida Tax Collectors’ Tag Art Program expects to hit $ 1 million in classroom support. Tags are offered for sale within each Tax Collector’s office throughout the school year. Counties use the funds to purchase needed classroom art supplies.
It all began in 2006 when the Polk County, Florida Tax Collector’s Office envisioned a program that would educate children about specialty license plates and the role art plays in commerce while inspiring them to explore their artistic abilities.
Florida Governor Rick Scott and his Cabinet honored the Kids Tag Art Program on June 13, 2018.
Pinellas County Tax Collector Charles W. Thomas wrote on June 11, 2018 that “$1 million could buy 10 million Crayola broad line washable markers. Or 84,000 pounds of clay. Thanks to an unconventional ally, Florida art teachers have now received exactly that – $ 1 million – from a seemingly unlikely source: Tax Collectors.”
Further, “Art teaches students to become more creative problem solvers and gives them the outlet to express themselves in a positive way. Kids Tag Art is our creative solution to help out our elementary art teachers so they don’t have to go out of pocket to buy classroom supplies.”
Indian River County, FL Tax Collector Carole Jean Jordan with the Tax Collector’s Choice Award to Elise H.
Kids Tag Art recognized the artistic talent of 43 Indian River County student artists on Tuesday, November 13th. The happy event was held at the McAfee Hall at First Presbyterian Church and featured just over an hour of recognition, presentation of award medals and certificates, and the kids’ favorite part – cake!
These creative 5thgraders were selected by the Kids Tag Art judges: local artist Sean Sexton, photographer Michael Jackson, and the Director of Education at Vero Beach Museum of Art, Sara Klein. Awards were presented by Carole Jean Jordan, Tax Collector, Indian River County and Dr. Mark J. Rendell, Indian River County Superintendent of Schools, as well as major sponsors, the Live Like Cole Foundation and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation.
“We are excited to use this program to showcase the imaginative flair of Indian River County students,” Carole Jean Jordan, Tax Collector, stated. She continued, “Kids Tag Art is especially appreciative of our sponsors for providing the supplies and awards to create this opportunity for all 5thgraders in our communities.”
Tiffany Justice, Kids Tag Art Board Member and School Board Member, said, “it’s exciting to see local organizations and businesses engage with our schools to help our students develop their gifts and explore a different side of learning.”
Kids Tag Art board members includes the following individuals pictured from left to right: Commissioner Joe Flescher, Chris Sexton, Patron of the Arts, Carole Jean Jordan, Tax Collector, Tiffany Justice, School Board Member, Kira Honse, Assistant City Attorney (Vero Beach), Major Eric Flowers, Public Affairs IRCSO, Jeffrey R. Smith, Clerk of the Court and Dr. Mark J. Rendell, Indian River County School Superintendent.
Priscilla Rodriquez, Public Affairs Officer of the Tax Collector of Indian River County wrote: “The students’ artwork is made available for sale as front-end license plates, key chains, and other items. Proceeds from these sales are returned as supplemental funding for their school’s arts department.”
For more information about the program, visit irctax.com/kidstagartor call 772-226-1745.
Kids Tag art Awards Ceremony
Award Recipients
Individual School Winners
Beachland Elem.– Ruby D. & Gabriella C.
Citrus Elem. – Wilnyah S. & Adie W.
Dodgertown Elem. – Jasmine P. & John C.
Fellsmere Elem. – Ketzaly C. & Belinda C.
Glendale Elem. – Lilly W. & Summer S.
Indian River Acad. – Matthew W. & Maxwell B.
Liberty Magnet – Kaylee S. & Gabriella R.
Master’s Academy – Payton W. & Caroline M.
Osceola Magnet – Gregory K. & Elise H.
Pelican Island Elem. – Sasha H. & Kandice G.
Rosewood Magnet – Darci W. & Angelina T-B.
Sebastian Elem. – Ethan H. & Adrianna T.
St. Edward – Aerin R. & Payton A.
St. Helen – Keira C. & Reese F.
St. Peter – Nicholas M. & Tyrina B.
Treasure Coast Elem. – Neela P. & Zyrianna P.
Vero Beach Elem. – Brittany O. & Cristel G.
Willow School – Jaiden C. & Aryiah S.
Overall Award
Payton W. of Master’s Academy
Ethan H. of Sebastian Elementary
Live Like Cole Award
Miriam B. of Dodgertown Elementary
Reese F. of St. Helen’s
Aubrey F. of Liberty Magnet
Harbor Branch Award
Ka’Miya H. of Dodgertown Elementary
Marely A. of Fellsmere Elemenatary
Donovan M. of Fellsmere Elementary
James R. of Rosewood Magnet
Superintendent’s Choice Award
Isaiah W. of Sebastian Elementary
Tax Collector’s Choice Award
Elise H. of Osceola Elementary
Photographs by Michael Jackson
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