Student artwork supports art education in schools
TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office celebrated the talents of fifth-grade students across the county at the annual Kids Tag Art Awards Ceremony on April 16 at Jefferson High School.
The event recognized young artists while raising money to support art education in Hillsborough County schools.
The 2024-25 program saw participation from a record-breaking 65 schools, with over 3,100 student artists submitting original designs for specialty license plates. The event has raised over $104,000 for Hillsborough County school art programs since its inception four years ago.
“These young artists continue to amaze us with their creativity and talent,” Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan said. “The Kids Tag Art program not only showcases their artistic abilities but also provides essential funding for art teachers to purchase much needed art supplies for the classroom.”
The program expanded its product offerings to include mouse pads, keychains and ceramic mugs featuring the students’ artwork, in addition to the metal license plates. The community can buy student-designed license plates and other products at hillstaxfl.gov.
Proceeds from sales go back to school art programs to buy classroom art supplies, with participating schools receiving an average of $800 each.
Saint Leo University marks record-breaking Giving Day
SAINT LEO – Saint Leo University raised a record-breaking $1.2 million in 24 hours from more than 1,000 donations, making this its largest Giving Day in history.
The funds will support more than 40 university programs and student-focused initiatives, including scholarships, academic departments, campus life programs and key athletic programs.
“These contributions will directly support our efforts to provide rewarding educational experiences and expand access to students who are eager to make a difference in the world,” said Stephen Kubasek vice president of University Advancement.
Daniel DuBois, honors program director, said the university will be able to support experiential learning for 290 honors students and instructors in the honors program
“Honors students will now be able to join the National Collegiate Honors Council, a nationwide organization of Honors programs, that will give our students conference presentation opportunities plus access to scholarships, fellowships, and educational travel opportunities.”
The university accepts donations at your.saintleo.edu/donate.
Students, schools recognized for civic engagement
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer recognized VoteHillsborough Art and Voter Registration contest winners during the April 22 school board meeting.
The Supervisor of Elections Office holds voter registration drives in high schools every fall and spring semester. The five schools recognized for having the most successful voter registration drives this academic year were Sumner High School, Durant High School, East Bay High School, Gaither High School and Newsome High School.
Supervisor Latimer challenged elementary and middle school students to design a new Future Voter’ sticker to
encourage young people to learn more about voting and elections. The first-place stickers will be handed out during community outreach events.
Elementary school winners:
- First place: Gabriel Angeli, Lowry Elementary School.
- Second place: Ayaan Sangomola, Chiles Elementary School.
- Third place: Sahana Venkatesh, Pride Elementary School.
Middle school winners:
- First place: Lauren McGee, Randall Middle School.
- Second place: Mahi Patel, Liberty Middle School.
- Third place: Gabriela Sanchez, Randall Middle School.
Dashow gets in honor society
BATON ROUGE – Ariele Dashow, of Odessa, was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at University of South Florida.
Dashow is among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year.
Only the top 10% of graduate students, 10% of seniors and 7.5% of juniors are eligible for membership.
Culpepper makes Who’s Who
UNIVERSITY, Miss – Caitlyn Culpepper, of Odessa, was recognized in the 2024-25 class of Who’s Who Among Students at the University of Mississippi.
Culpepper, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, was among 200 Ole Miss students who were honored with the distinction during a ceremony on April 4 at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts.
The honor program recognizes seniors who excel academically and demonstrate leadership and community service.
