Apollo Beach K-8 School will receive $585 for its art program after student Melina Fenton earned the Tax Collector's Choice Award, the top honor in Hillsborough County's Kids Tag Art program, which posted a record fundraising total since launching in 2021.

The program raised $38,632 during the 2025-26 school year, according to the summary report released Wednesday, July 22, by the Hillsborough County Tax Collector's Office. Kids Tag Art lets students create original artwork that is reproduced on specialty license plates, mugs and key chains sold to the public, with proceeds funding arts education at participating schools.

All 66 participating Hillsborough County elementary schools received $585 each. Since Tax Collector Nancy Millan launched Kids Tag Art in 2021, the program has raised more than $181,813 for art education countywide.

"These numbers tell the story of a community that believes in investing in its young artists," Millan said in the July 22 report. "Sixty-six participating schools, more than $181,000 raised since we started this program, and thousands of students who got to see their own artwork come to life."

Apollo Beach student among top honorees

Fenton was recognized at the program's awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 15, at the Brandon Tax Collector's Office, alongside winners from all 66 schools. Other top honorees included Annabelle Webster of J.S. Robinson Elementary (Title Sponsor Award from Suncoast Credit Union), Samantha Garcia-Gomez of Lake Magdalene Elementary (TECO Powerful Art Award) and teacher Melissa Santiago of Hunter's Green Elementary.

Apollo Beach K-8, an A-rated school under Principal Lindsey Nelson, is located at 501 Apollo Beach Blvd.

Merchandise sales add to the total

The Tax Collector's Office presented the fundraising results to the Hillsborough County School Board in May. The program also generated $5,043 in merchandise sales during the 2025-26 year, with proceeds going back to participating schools.

At the April 15 ceremony, Millan said the program gives students "the chance to see their work live beyond a classroom wall" and sends "a powerful message to a young person about the value of their creativity."

How to get involved

Kids Tag Art merchandise is available at HillsTaxFL.gov/shop. Schools interested in joining next year's program can contact [email protected] or call 813-635-5264. The 2026-27 Hillsborough County school year begins Monday, Aug. 10.