Martin County Elementary Students Shine in Kids Tag Art Contest; Winning Designs Now for Sale
Tax Collector Ruth Pietruszewski and district officials surprised winners at schools like Bessey Creek Elementary, with proceeds from license plates and keychains funding local art programs.
WHAT HAPPENED: Elementary students from across the Martin County School District were named winners of the 2025–26 Kids Tag Art Contest, a program now in its eighth year.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR FAMILIES: Student artwork can be purchased as license plates, bike plates, or keychains, and proceeds are returned directly to school art programs — making every purchase a direct investment in arts education. Tax Collector Ruth Pietruszewski and district Coordinator Mark Cowles visited campuses to surprise winners in person.
WHICH SCHOOLS OR DISTRICTS: Winners were named at Bessey Creek Elementary, JD Parker Elementary, Palm City Elementary, Citrus Grove Elementary, Port Salerno Elementary, Crystal Lake Elementary, Felix A. Williams Elementary, The Pinewood Elementary, Seawind Elementary, Warfield Elementary, Jensen Beach Elementary, and Hobe Sound Elementary — all Martin County elementary schools.
Named award winners include Keira Lacombe ("Catch of the Day"), Valentina Encarnacion ("Life is Better By the Water"), Eliza Acevedo ("America the Beautiful"), Gianella Gousen Montenegro (Award of Distinction), Gabriel Borges ("Behind the Badge"), Emmarie Haiduk ("Wagging Tail"), and Luna Cergueira (Tax Collector's Award).
"This partnership gives our students a meaningful way to express their creativity while seeing how their work can make a real impact," Superintendent Michael Maine said. "We are grateful to the Martin County Tax Collector's Office for investing in our schools and helping inspire the next generation of creative thinkers."
WHAT WE DON'T KNOW: Grade levels for most winners were not provided in the announcement, and pricing for purchasable designs was not listed.
WHAT TO WATCH: Winners will be recognized at a ceremony at the Martin County School District Board Room, 1939 SE Federal Highway, Stuart, on April 14 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.
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