Hillsborough County Students Receive Awards in Kids Tag Art Program

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Media Contact: Tory Davis, Director of Communications & Community Relations davist@hillstax.org 813-635-5264

Hillsborough County Students Receive Awards in Kids Tag Art Program

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office Holds Award Ceremony for Dozens of Young Artists in Program that Raises Funds for Local Art Teachers

Tampa, FL – April 22, 2024 — The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office (HCTC) hosted its first annual Kids Tag Art Awards Ceremony on Wednesday evening, April 17, 2024, at the Jefferson High School auditorium in Tampa. This event showcased the creativity of students in Hillsborough County while raising funds to support art programs and teachers.

Nearly 150 people attended as 43 Hillsborough County 5th-grade students were recognized for their artwork and their elementary school’s art program. Each student received a certificate and medal for creating the winning license plates at their school. The art teachers were also honored for their hard work and mentoring of these students. Tax Collector Nancy Millan congratulated the award recipients, and Skully, the program’s mascot, happily took photos with the children.

“I am incredibly proud of all the 5th-grade students who submitted their art,” said Tax Collector Nancy Millan. “This event is one of my favorites of the year, and I loved seeing the smile and sense of accomplishment on the student’s faces, along with their proud families, and the enthusiastic educators.”

The Kids Tag Art Program was introduced in Hillsborough County in 2021 by Millan, inspired by its success in other counties. Considering the popularity of specialty license plates among Florida drivers, what could be more special than one-of-a-kind art by 5th graders? In its inaugural year, 27 schools participated in the program. The following year, participation expanded to include Title 1 and District 4 elementary schools in Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS). Now in its third year, all elementary schools in HCPS were invited to participate, resulting in an outstanding number of submissions. This year, 1,640 students and 5 teachers from 43 schools submitted their artwork.

“I am grateful to the members of the Hillsborough County School Board and its administrators, and also to all those who have supported our students through this program, including our local elected officials and our partners since the beginning of the program, like Derrick Brooks Charities,” said Millan. “This program is meant to give back, not only to our students, but also to

the teachers who inspire creativity and foster an environment that builds confidence. They sacrifice so much, including dipping into their own resources, to ensure their classes have what they need.”

The title sponsor for the event was Suncoast Credit Union, who graciously donated to the program and presented the Sponsor’s Choice Award.

HCTC extends its heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed judges who dedicated their time and expertise to support this year’s program.

We extend our sincere thanks to:

· Cindy Stuart, Hillsborough County Clerk of Court

· Craig Lattimer, Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections

· Julianne Holt, Hillsborough County Public Defender

· Karen Perez, Hillsborough County School Board Chair

· Suzy Lopez, Hillsborough County State Attorney

Their commitment to fostering creativity, education, and community engagement has made a significant difference in the lives of our students and educators. We are deeply appreciative of their involvement and support.

The Kids Tag Art Program has raised over $100,000 for Hillsborough County art teachers since its inception. On average, teachers from participating schools receive $700 to invest back into their art programs.

The community is still welcome to buy the student’s art on license plates and key chains by visiting www.hillstax.org/shop.

Any questions about the event can be directed to Tory Davis, Director of Communications & Community Relations, at davist@hillstax.org or the Communications & Community Relations team at communityrelations@hillstax.org.

Media is welcome to use video and pictures of the event found here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/147soawfbt3f9zdewwkg8/AIUPGlZZ2g2nYAEpjfHhoe4?rlkey=q78nl43hkieiuoxa6cqcgy9rs&st=5jzr8q9h&dl=0. Please credit Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office.

About Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office:

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office is responsible for collecting and distributing local property, tangible, business, and tourist development taxes. In addition, as an agent for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, they provide motor vehicle, vessel and mobile home titles and registrations, issue disabled parking permits, issue driver licenses and ID cards, and administer written tests and road tests. They also collect tolls and clear toll violations as part of motor vehicle transactions.

Additionally, they partner with other state and local government agencies to issue certified copies of Florida birth certificates and to provide concealed weapons permits, vehicle for hire permits, and hunting and fishing licenses.

The taxes and fees we collect are distributed in accordance with Florida Statute to the appropriate agency or municipality to fund vital services at the state and local levels.

For more information about the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office, visit their website at hillstax.org.