For Immediate Release:
For additional information please contact Tory Davis, Director of Communications & Community Relations at 813-635-5264
STUDENT ARTISTS DRIVE OVER $37,000 IN FUNDING FOR HILLSBOROUGH SCHOOLS THROUGH CREATIVE LICENSE PLATE DESIGNS
TAMPA, Fla., May 15, 2025 – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office proudly announced another successful year of the Kids Tag Art Program during the Hillsborough County School Board recognition meeting on May 13, 2025. The program raised an impressive $37,778.66 this year alone, providing each of the 65 participating elementary schools with more than $580 for their art programs.
“The Kids Tag Art Program continues to be one of our most impactful community initiatives,” said Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan. “We’re thrilled to see the program grow year after year, fostering creativity in our youngest residents while providing much-needed funding for art education. These students are our future, and investing in their creative development today will pay dividends for our community tomorrow.”
Since its inception in 2021, the Kids Tag Art program has raised over $141,900 for art programs in Hillsborough County Schools and engaged more than 6,300 students. What began with just 27 Title 1 schools has expanded to include 65 elementary schools throughout the county.
During the School Board meeting, the Tax Collector’s team recognized this year’s top 5th Grade Student Artists:
- Kennedy from Bevis Elementary School (Art Teacher: Carmen Fernandez)
- Kendall from Collins PK-8 School (Art Teacher: Lisa Verrilli)
- Declan from J.S. Robinson Elementary School (Art Teacher: Ray Cowen)
The program’s success is made possible through valuable partnerships with the school district and the Hillsborough Education Foundation, along with the generous support of sponsors including Derrick Brooks Charities, Florida West Coast Credit Union, Tampa Electric Company, Tampa Bay Lightning, The Florida Aquarium, Glazer Children’s Museum, Keith N. Fakhoury, the Adele S. Bernett Memorial Fund, and title sponsor Suncoast Credit Union.
Community members can still support the program by purchasing student artwork through the online Kids Tag Art store at hillstaxfl.gov/shop, with proceeds continuing to benefit school art programs.
