A perfect piece of art: happy children, proud parents, grateful teachers. The fifth annual Kids Tag Art (KTA) recognition event was held Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the School District of Lee County headquarters. Fifth graders from around the county were recognized as “Award of Distinction” winners for their license plate designs and art teachers received much-needed funding.
Over 300 people, including teachers and families, attended the event, where two students from each of the 49 participating Lee County public elementary schools were recognized for their artwork. In all, 3,600 children submitted license plate designs.
Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart and Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Executive Director Marshall Bower presented the awards. KTA is a collaboration between the organizations.
Since the KTA program started in Lee County in 2016, over $150,000 has been raised to help teachers purchase supplies for art programs at each of the elementary schools. Statewide, KTA has raised $1.7 million. This year, each participating Lee County art teacher was presented with a check for $800.
Each of the plates from the “Award of Distinction” winners are available for purchase as specialty front-end license plates on the Tax Collector’s official website, leetc.com. All proceeds go back to the participating schools’ art programs. The Tax Collector’s Office also offers sponsorships for the program, raising even more money.
Sponsorship information is available by calling the Lee County Tax Collector’s Administration Office at 239-533-6060. For program information, contact Pleshette Mims-Roberts at 239-533-6068 or Beverly Burke of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Inc. at 239-337-0433.
