In a heartwarming celebration of creativity and community spirit, Isaiah Jackson, a fifth grader from Bartow Elementary Academy, has been awarded the prestigious “Tax Collector’s Choice” Award in the Kids Tag Art contest. This recognition was announced on March 5, 2026, by Polk County Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder during an engaging ceremony held at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. Isaiah’s artwork, featuring a vigilant brown dog beside its doghouse against a vibrant blue background, not only depicts his artistic talent but also embodies the essence of a program aimed at nurturing young artists across the county.
The Kids Tag Art initiative has been making waves for over two decades, successfully bridging art and education by fundraising through the sale of custom license plates. Over the years, it has generated an impressive $720,000 dedicated to supporting elementary art teachers in Polk County through grants for much-needed classroom materials. Across Polk County and other participating counties in Florida, the initiative has amassed nearly $3 million, a testament to the community’s commitment to enhancing art education.
A Platform for Young Artists
According to Polk Taxes, the Kids Tag Art (KTA) program is an innovative fundraising effort targeted at inspiring fifth graders to create their unique custom license plate designs. This hands-on approach allows students not only to express their artistic flare but also to learn about the application of art in a practical context, tied directly to Florida’s diverse range of specialized license plates, which support numerous charitable causes statewide.
The online sales portal for the Kids Tag Art program for the 2025-2026 school year opened on March 3, coinciding perfectly with the announcement of Isaiah’s win. As this exciting opportunity unfolds, parents and community members are encouraged to explore KidsTagArt.com for the latest in student creations and to contribute to the cause. KTA not only fuels the creativity of budding artists but also supplements arts funding for schools, ensuring that thousands of unique designs continue to paint the streets each year.
A Community Celebration
During the awards ceremony, Joe Tedder expressed his delight at Isaiah’s artwork, noting it brought a smile to his face and adding that he looks forward to seeing the creative designs grace the roads of Polk County next year. This event also recognized two additional special merit awards given to other students from each participating school, alongside various sponsor awards, showcasing the collective effort to uplift young talent in the community.
This year marks another chapter in a long-standing tradition that not only celebrates art but also fortifies the educational system within the county. As we reflect on the importance of programs like Kids Tag Art, it is evident that fostering creativity and supporting arts education can have a profound impact on our young learners. It’s safe to say, there’s something to be said for the power of creativity in shaping our communities!