LAKELAND, Fla. – Talented art students from across Polk County were honored and celebrated at the 17th Kids Tag Art (KTA) Awards of Distinction (AoD) ceremony in Lakeland on Thursday night.
The Kids Tag Art (KTA) program, created in Polk County, now spans 15 counties across Florida. It inspires young artists, fifth grade students, to create their own unique specialty license tags to be purchased as a fundraiser for elementary school art programs.
The Office of the Tax Collector for Polk County (TCPC) recognizes top designs from each participating public, charter, and private school every year; at least two students from each school are named Award of Distinction (AoD) recipients. 
This year’s special ‘Tax Collector Choice Award’ recipient is Grace Sullins. She is a student at Babson Park Elementary. Her specialty tag was installed on the front of Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder’s vehicle after the ceremony on Thursday night! 
“Creative things are important, and it helps you for your future and it helps our society. For talented people like Grace, it’s going to be amazing as an adult. She’s already started on a great future,” Tedder said.
Participating KTA Tax Collector offices throughout the state celebrate reaching the $2 Million mark together this year, in funds raised for art programs over the years! Teachers have been able to use what’s raised to purchase valuable items like classroom supplies.
Part of the goal of the KTA program is to nurture interest in the arts and help teachers supply classrooms, but to also reach students in a positive way as an introduction to the very office they will eventually visit for services!
“We want Kids Tag Art to be such positive outreach to young people, early on, and to set a friendly foundation for government and what we do in the Tax Collector’s Office.” Tedder adds.
The local community can support elementary school art programs by purchasing tag art at www.KidsTagArt.com, with all proceeds going back into the classroom for arts education.