On Tuesday, November 8, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers held an art exhibit at One Buc Place to recognize the top 10 art pieces from students participating in the Annual Buccaneers Academy Holiday Card Art Contest. Students' hard work and talent was celebrated by special guests including Brian Ford; Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer, Hillsborough County Superintendent Jeff Eakins, Hillsborough County Board of Education Members, parents, art teachers, and school administrators.
Attendees enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of One Buc Place, the official Headquarters of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, before Olivia Childers a 5th grader at Roosevelt Elementary, was unveiled as the overall winner. Olivia's art will be featured on the 2016 Buccaneers holiday card.
On Tuesday, November 8, the Bucs hosted the Inaugural Holiday Card Art Exhibit at One Buc Place to recognize the top 10 pieces from this year's Buccaneers Academy Holiday Card Art Contest.
Winners were chosen by esteemed local art professionals including Caroll Vick, Director of Education, Arts Council of Hillsborough County; Robin F. Nigh, Manager, City of Tampa's Art Programs Division; Jose R. Gelats, Museum Coordinator, Henry B. Plant Museum; Patty Sriram, Gallery Director, Gallery 221 @HHC; and Dana Warner Art Director, Hillsborough County Public Schools K-12.
Each year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers invite students from all 24 Buccaneers Academies to show off their artistic talents in the Holiday Card Art Contest. The contest and exhibit is an opportunity for students' creativity and talents to be celebrated.
"To have the Buccaneers recognize student's accomplishments means a lot to them and their parents," said Superintendent Eakins. "When we have two organizations that care about the community and come together to do what's right for kids, its sends a powerful message throughout the community."
The Buccaneers are committed to improving educational opportunities for children in developing communities and the Buccaneers Academy Holiday Card Art Contest is a part of that commitment.
"This is all about the kids and our commitment and partnership with the school system and this contest is a perfect way to cap that off" said Brian Ford.
Buccaneers Academies provide children in underserved communities with year round curriculum, state-of-the-art resources and hands-on participation from Bucs players and cheerleaders as well as large shade covered Fitness Zones to expand educational opportunities outside the classroom and encourage active lifestyles.