Children Chosen for Creativity in Tax Collector Tag Art Contest

In Brief:

The Kids Tag Art Program combines an art contest for 5th graders with a fundraiser, allowing students to design custom license plates and raise funds for their schools.
This year, the program raised over $18,000, with each participating school receiving $800 from the Public Education Foundation.
Tax Collector Ben Anderson, Sheriff Eric Aden, and Superintendent Marcus Chambers recognized two outstanding students from each school for their creative achievements at the recent Okaloosa County School Board meeting.

Shalimar, FL – The Okaloosa County School Board meeting saw a packed house Monday evening as Tax Collector Ben Anderson and Sheriff Eric Aden honored the Award of Distinction winners of the Kids Tag Art Program. Alongside Superintendent Marcus Chambers, Anderson and Aden recognized two outstanding students from each participating school for their creative achievements.

The Kids Tag Art program serves a dual purpose: it functions as an art contest for 5th graders and as a fundraiser. The program allows students to design their own specialty license plates, which can be used as art pieces or displayed on the front of vehicles. Family members have the opportunity to purchase these custom plates, with proceeds directly benefiting the students’ schools.

Initiated in 2013, this collaborative effort between the Tax Collector’s Office and the School District has gained the support of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, reflecting their ongoing commitment to student safety and welfare through their Community Partnership and the provision of Resource Officers in schools.

This school year, the Kids Tag Art program raised an impressive $18,124.00 through in-school sales and local sponsorships. Tax Collector Ben Anderson emphasized the significance of this non-tax generated revenue, especially at a time when art curriculums could greatly benefit from additional funding. “Each participating school received checks for $800.00 via the Public Education Foundation,” Anderson noted. Since its inception, the program has generated a remarkable $155,167 for Okaloosa County school arts programs.

For those interested in sponsoring the Kids Tag Art program, please contact Shari Flowers Bruns at 850-651-7669.

This Year’s Award Winners:

Bluewater:

Claire Paiz
Elayna Feddon

Bob Sikes:

Karlie Sanchez
Anna Dickelman

Edge:

Riley Sharpe
Gracelyn Perschke

Elliott Point:

Dallis Gallagher
Axel Palma

Kenwood:

Sabine McBride
Parker Sims

Northwood:

Angelique Guzman
Stephanie Antunez Penaloza

Plew:

Dasha Medvedeva
Lilyana Wight

Shalimar:

Jayceon Gainer
Paris McQueen

Silver Sands:

Jacob Huggins
Charlotte Sullivan

Southside Primary:

Lailah Garcia

Walker:

Joseph Avanetes
Blake Moyers

Special Recognition:

Tax Collector’s Choice: Ava Auter (Bluewater)
Sheriff’s Choice: Aayla Powell (Bob Sikes)
Superintendent’s Choice: Macy Phillips (Plew)

This celebration of young talent highlights the importance of supporting arts education in Okaloosa County and showcases the creative potential of its students.