Crestview children among contest winners

Bluewater Elementary fifth-grader Lauren Amans and Tax Collector Ben Anderson are pictured placing the student's winning tag on his vehicle. Anderson said he will have her tag on his vehicle until another winner is announced next year. [Special to the News Bulletin]

SHALIMAR — Okaloosa County Tax Collector Ben Anderson presented the Kids Tag Art Award of Distinction to two fifth-graders from each of the 12 participating schools.

These are the North Okaloosa elementary school Award of Distinction winners.

Antioch: Jazlyn Polanco and Gabrielle McGriff

Bob Sikes: Christina Baltimore and Ethan Myers

Northwood: Justin West and Peyton Johnson

Riverside: Desirae Esmond and Mackenzie Askew

Walker: Aleigh Jernigan and Hana Caruso

The Kids Tag Art program is a partnership between the tax collector's office and the school district. It has collected close to $31,000 for participating schools since it began four years ago. As an art project, this program gives students a chance to create their own specialty license plate. As a fundraiser, parents and the public may purchase those student-created plates, and the proceeds from all school sales stay in that school.

"With tag art sales and sponsorships, the Kids Tag Art program this year collected $11,073.65 for participating elementary schools. This is non-tax-generated revenue and comes at a time when money for art curriculum is hard to find," Anderson said. "We were delighted to partner with Superintendent Mary Beth Jackson in offering this fundraising opportunity to the elementary schools. We were also very fortunate to have the support of our sponsors as well and would like to thank Florida Heart Research Institute, Fudpuckers, GCOP and Corporate Benefits."

This year, students could pick the "Heart Smart Art" theme from which the Florida Heart Research Institute chose three art pieces that represented having a "health heart." Winners are Zipporah Oswald, Alexis Felker and Ava Pierce. The Tax Collector's Choice award winner is Bluewater Elementary fifth-grader Lauren Amans. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview children among contest winners