Belton celebrates Christmas on the Chisholm Trail

By Aries Ramos The Belton Journal The Lake Belton Broncos continued their strong start to the season on Tuesday night, improving to 10–1 overall with a dominant 71–22 win over Eastside Early College at home. The Broncos controlled the game from the opening tip. Lake Belton pushed the tempo early and consistently created high percentage looks. Dez Ravizee led the team with 12 points and added two rebounds, providing steady scoring in transition and in the half court. Krosby Smith followed with 10 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, giving the Broncos production on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Lake Belton forced turnovers and disrupted Eastside’s offensive rhythm. Mikey Lockett finished with nine points, two rebounds, one assist, and a team high three steals, showcasing quick hands. Ameer Williams matched that defensive activity with eight points, two rebounds, two assists, and three steals. Lake Belton also benefited from strong contributions throughout its rotation. Nick Martin finished with six points and led the team with four rebounds, adding an assist and two steals. Avery Diaz matched him with six points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal, helping extend the Broncos’ lead during a strong second quarter stretch. Colt Smith added six points and a rebound, continuing the trend of balanced scoring. Christian Onchweri contributed five points, five rebounds, and three assists, giving the Broncos a boost with his rebounding. Allen Muchunu added five points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal off the bench, while Jackson Striegler chipped in two points and four rebounds. Charles Hanson added two points and two rebounds to round out the scoring. The Broncos’ defensive intensity, depth, and consistent ball movement allowed them to control the game from start to finish. Nearly every player contributed across multiple statistical categories, reflecting the team’s emphasis on effort and unselfish play. With the win, Lake Belton improves to 10–1 and continues to build confidence heading into the next phase of the season. The Broncos will look to carry this momentum forward as they prepare for upcoming matchup against Mexia and Marble Falls in an upcoming tournament , and the challenges of district play.

Special to The Journal Lake Belton High School Girls Basketball Coach Tiffney Barnes reached a major milestone on Thursday, November 13, securing her 100th career win during the Broncos’ game versus Stratford. Barnes said the achievement reflects years of hard work, growth and dedication shared by her staff and athletes. “Hitting 100 career wins represents years of sacrifice and growth both on and off the court,” Barnes said. “We have faced challenges, leaned on the people who support us and learned from the moments that shaped us. It shows how far we have come and motivates us to keep pushing forward.” Barnes said the biggest lesson she has learned through 100 wins is that success is rooted in consistency. “It is not about one big moment,” she said. “It is the daily habits, the discipline and the preparation. Every win taught me something, whether it was how to handle pressure or trust the work we put in. And you cannot do it alone. Teammates, coaches, mentors and supporters have shaped every step of this journey.” Her players were thrilled when they realized the victory marked win number 100. “They were excited to be part of this milestone,” Barnes said. “They are a big reason we reached it, and they want to keep this journey going.” Even in the excitement, Barnes remains focused on what comes next. “The journey is never over,” she said. “There is always someone working to get better, so we must keep grinding and never become comfortable.” Belton ISD Athletic Director Sam Skidmore praised Barnes’ impact on the program. “Coach Barnes sets high expectations and models the work it takes to reach them,” Skidmore said. “Her consistency and leadership have strengthened the Lake Belton girls basketball program, and we are proud of her.” Barnes said the milestone fuels the team’s momentum. “This win reminds us of what we are capable of, but it also pushes us to keep growing,” she said. “We are grateful, we are hungry and we are ready for what’s next.”

The Tigers needed a total team effort to reach the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season. Recently, however, individuals were honored. One year ago, Belton earned just two victories after combining for 19 in the prior pair of seasons, but the trend did not continue as the Tigers bounced back, placing third in the 2025 final league standings. As a result, they were rewarded. Belton averaged more than 30 points per game en route to a 5-6 overall record, and the production led to six players landing on the 10-5A, Division II All-District First Team. Engineering the offense, junior quarterback Will Shepard completed 127 of 195 passes for 1,792 yards and 15 touchdowns along with carrying the ball 112 times for 631 yards and 10 scores rushing. Shepard’s favorite target was junior Gavin Ross, who had 84 receptions for 1,218 yards and 11 touchdowns, while on the ground, senior running back Gino Zecca complemented Shepard’s output by rushing for 537 yards and six touchdowns on 126 carries. He also caught 11 passes for 177 yards and three scores. A trio of junior linemen rounded out the Tigers’ offensive first-team selections with Beckett Butler, Jaxon Simmons and center Ben Gutierrez making the list. The group helped Belton average 220 yards passing and 183 yards rushing. Additionally, senior receiver Achilles Palomares, junior running back Javid Planz, sophomore lineman Frederick Makubi and sophomore tight end Cason Morton were placed on the second team offense. Defensively, senior end Jacob Lewis, senior tackle Evan Lockett, senior inside linebacker Camron Ellis, sophomore inside linebacker Oakley Torres and sophomore outside linebacker Alex Carpenter landed on the second team. Corin Ramesar, a senior kicker, was also a member of the first team after connecting on 41 of 42 extra-point attempts and three field goals. Shepard was also recognized on the second team as a punter. Brenham and Waco University were bestowed a majority of the superlatives after finishing tied atop the standings. Trojans senior receiver London Smith was named most valuable player after catching 79 passes for 1,455 yards and 20 touchdowns, and University was named coaching staff of the year. Cubs senior receiver Chris Guidry had 70 receptions for 1,355 yards and 22 touchdowns en route to being named offensive player of the year, while senior teammate Caleb Espinoza, a middle linebacker, was named defensive player of the year, and senior Mason Seeber was named lineman of the year. Seeber finished with 57 tackles, including 20 solo, with 14 going for a loss and recovered three fumbles, while Espinoza finished with 89 tackles, a sack, an interception, a fumble recovery and a caused fumble. The remaining superlatives were awarded to Ellison sophomore quarterback Marlyn Smith and Waco sophomore Michael Leonard, who were named offensive and defensive newcomer of the year, respectively. Leonard had 137 total tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery, and Smith passed for 2,924 yards and 26 touchdowns to go with 643 yards and 15 touchdowns rushing.

By Aries Ramos The Belton Journal The 2025 high school soccer season is beginning across Belton ISD, and all four varsity programs enter the year preparing for competitive schedules and the chance to improve on last season’s results. Each team brings a mix of returning experience and new contributors, and all have spent the offseason working to strengthen team identity and build momentum. The Belton High School girls team is coming off a solid season and will look to develop younger players stepping into larger roles after the graduation of several key seniors. Preseason training has focused heavily on possession, finishing, and improving on-field communication. The Belton boys team showed noticeable improvement last season, especially in defensive structure and overall cohesion. With several returning players in key positions, including the midfield and back line, the Tigers have a strong foundation heading into the year. The Belton boys will begin their preseason schedule with a scrimmage against Killeen High School on Friday, December 12th at Leo Buckley Stadium. JV-B will play at 4:30 p.m., JV-A at 5:30 p.m., and varsity at 7:15 p.m. The Lake Belton girls program enters the upcoming season with optimism after showing growth last year. Head coach Jamie Tibbetts said she is most excited about the maturity of this year’s roster and the commitment players showed throughout the offseason. She noted that the focus early in the season will be on improving technical sharpness, decision making, and maintaining a strong defensive shape. Tibbetts described the offseason as productive and energetic, with multiple players stepping up as leaders both on and off the field. The Lady Broncos will open their preseason with a home scrimmage against Hutto on December 12th at 7 p.m., giving coaches and players a first look at how offseason improvements translate to game situations. The Lake Belton boys team continues to develop as a program and enters the new season looking to build consistency after a mix of promising performances and challenges last year. The offseason centered around increasing physicality, improving ball control, and strengthening organization across all positions. Improved communication and fitness have also been areas of progress. With scrimmages this week and the regular season set to begin soon, both Belton High School and Lake Belton High School are focused on building momentum and competing strongly within their districts.

By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal Athletes were recently permitted to make their collegiate commitments official, and Lake Belton took advantage of the opportunity.  Four standouts signed letters of intent, including a pair of baseball players. D.J. Lavalle committed to Arlington Baptist, while teammate Maverick Maddux signed with TCU. The right-hander was named all-district pitcher of the year last season, when he was 5-0 with 51 strikeouts and set the school’s single-season record with 80 strikeouts. Davion Peters is bound for Baylor after amassing 1,837 receiving and 876 rushing yards in his three-year football career at Lake Belton. He scored a total of 34 touchdowns. Additionally, cheerleader Jazzell Jenkins signed with McPherson College. GOLF The Broncos Silver team placed sixth at last week’s tournament held at Bastrop’s Lost Pines Golf Course, where senior Miles Parker shot a team-low 82. The score was complemented by seniors Brayden Hoff and Gavin Kerr, who posted identical rounds of 87, while junior Kaiden Beaty (98) and freshman Jackson Dolotina (106) completed the team. At the Waco tournament, the Lady Tigers were third out of a dozen teams. Belton’s squad consisted of Annaleigh Holliday, Anya Jinadatha, Isha Jinadatha, Ella Hice and Mackenzie McGarry. The Lady Tigers are idle until beginning the spring schedule Jan. 28 at Lampasas. SWIMMING Belton and Lake Belton will both travel to Killeen for a meet versus multiple opponents on Dec. 13. The competition will serve as the final action for both programs until combining with New Tech to host a meet Jan. 5. The District 22-5A meet is set for Jan. 23. LAKE BELTON SOFTBALL The Lady Broncos will be holding an informative meeting regarding tryouts for the upcoming season Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m. Coaches will be on hand to share information with players and parents regarding guidelines for how the tryout process will work later in January. The meeting is for all potential players of any grade. For more information, contact Lady Broncos head coach Kelsie McEachern at Kelsie.McEachern@BISD.net . BELTON SOFTBALL The Lady Tigers will conduct tryouts for the upcoming season on Jan. 9 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants must be academically eligible, have a current physical on file with the school and have submitted all other necessary paperwork. Final cuts will be made Jan. 10, and practice begins Jan. 12, when there will be a mandatory parent meeting at 6 p.m. For any questions, contact Morgan.Birkel@BISD.net .

Special to the Journal The Belton Education Foundation Grant Patrol brought celebration and surprise to campuses across Belton ISD on Tuesday, December 9, as BEF trustees, Belton ISD Board of Trustees members, district leaders and community partners traveled by school bus to deliver classroom grants directly into teachers’ hands. This year’s Grant Patrol awarded 49 grants totaling $118,159.02 at 20 campuses, supporting innovative instructional ideas and hands-on learning experiences from early childhood through high school. Ellen Burnett, President of the Belton Education Foundation, said the annual tradition is “one of our favorite ways to celebrate the heart of teaching and learning in Belton ISD.” She added, “The Grant Patrol is meaningful because it puts resources directly into classrooms where they can make an immediate impact on students. It is a way for us to recognize that the community believes deeply in their work.” Two bus routes, North and South, departed from the Belton Early Childhood School at 9 a.m. and visited classrooms across the district to surprise teachers with grant checks. Burnett noted, “Seeing the responses, the joy, the shock, the gratitude never gets old. It is wonderful to watch these teachers light up when they realize their idea is being supported. BEF and BISD board members, BISD administrators and donors all join in the fun of presenting grants, and every stop is a celebration.” This year’s funded projects focus on expanding STEAM learning, enhancing literacy, strengthening hands-on science, supporting special education and growing opportunities in areas including robotics, media, esports and assistive technology. Burnett emphasized that each grant is carefully considered. “Every proposal is reviewed by a committee of Foundation board members,” she said. “We evaluate submissions based on student impact, innovation, alignment with district goals and feasibility. We aim to find a balanced mix of projects that support a wide range of campuses, grade levels and instructional needs.” Among the proposals reviewed, one stood out strongly to Burnett: a Micro Camp initiative at Lake Belton High School. “This proposal really resonated with me because it was not designed for just one classroom or one campus. It truly benefits the entire district,” she said. “Students will engage in hands-on microbiology labs, environmental sampling and Gram staining while exploring health science CTE pathways and HOSA. It is immersive, it is collaborative and it encourages leadership and early career exploration. That is the kind of innovation we are excited to champion.” One of the many educators celebrating a grant-funded opportunity was Belton High School construction careers instructor Michael Carrillo, whose award will expand electrical training and certification options for students. “The grant is now allowing us to do the next level certification that prepares them for when they go to the workforce,” Carrillo said. “Right out of graduation, they’re ready to go into the workforce as an electrician or an apprentice electrician.” Carrillo emphasized how transformative the hands-on experience will be for his students. “Honestly, it’s practical, so instead of like paper tests and stuff like that, they have to know competencies,” he said. “When they graduate, they graduate with all these competencies in the electrical field.” He also shared his gratitude with the Foundation and community donors. “A big heartfelt thank you,” Carrillo said. “It is going to elevate the program. It’s going to bring more electricians out of this program. A lot of the students are starting to realize that they don’t really need college they can make a great career in the electrical field. By this donation, it’s going to boost them once they graduate and prepare for the workforce.” Master electrician and SkillsUSA mentor Mike Ming echoed the impact of the grant. “For the electrical contracting, the students, with hands-on experience, learn how to twist wires, bend conduit, all that stuff they would have to learn in the field, but here they’ve already got a head start on it,” he said. “Plus, this program offers them the certifications for equipment they will be using. It’s a huge jump start for their career.” Burnett also highlighted how the Grant Patrol strengthens relationships across the district. “Grant Patrol days create a sense of shared celebration,” she said. “Teachers see adults investing in their learning and community members get a firsthand look at the passion in our classrooms. It reinforces that we are all partners, families, educators and local supporters, working toward the same goal of helping Belton ISD students thrive.” She added that none of this would be possible without the community’s investment in public education. “Every grant we award is made possible by generous donors who believe in our mission,” Burnett said. “Grant Patrol is not just about awarding funds. It is about recognizing the dedication of our teachers and investing in the future of our students. We are grateful for everyone who helps make that possible, and we welcome anyone who would like to be part of our growing grant program.” “We are incredibly proud of our teachers and grateful to the Belton Education Foundation for their continued commitment to students,” said Belton ISD Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith. “These grants fuel creativity in our classrooms and open the door to meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Grant Patrol is a powerful reminder of what happens when a community invests in the success of every student.” Teachers will use their grant funding to support the projects outlined in their proposals, each designed to enhance learning experiences for students across Belton ISD. For more information about the Belton Education Foundation or to make a donation, please visit https://beltoneducationfoundation.org . Full List of BEF Grant Patrol Grants Belton Early Childhood School • Indoor Large Motor Lab on Wheels — $2,800 Cedar Ridge Elementary • Code Botley 2.0 — $639.92 • James L. Burrell Elementary • Small Group Interventions — $1,200 Building Brains and Bonds-On Enrichment for Soft Start — $1,000 Charter Oak Elementary • Unlocking Learning: Breakout EDU — $1,194 Special Education Sensory — $2,000 Hands-On STEAM: Expanding Science Exploration in the Library — $4,398 Chisholm Trail Elementary • Printing the Future: Empowering Young Innovators with 3D Technology — $500 • Attention… BREAKING NEWS!! — $3,000 Leaps and Bounds for Blazers Dance — $1,000 High Point Elementary • Energy Explorers: Building a Classroom Renewable Energy Lab — $7,500 • Empowering Learners with Sensory and Focus Tools — $657.88 Lakewood Elementary • Kindergarten STEAM and STEAM Precursor — $6,174 • Game On for Speech: Interactive Resources — $560 Joe M. Pirtle Elementary • Dashing in STEM — $3,000 • Sip and Skills: Building Workforce Readiness in ALE — $500 • Building Minds with Bricks: LEGO Science Education — $4,760.84 Southwest Elementary • Igniting Literacy: STEM Adventures in the Library — $1,320.57 • Coffee Cart and Lemonade Cart — $1,500 STEM Stations — $4,368.97 Alice J. Tarver Elementary • Osmo for Kindergarten Classroom — $1,700 • Tumbles Coffee Cart — $875.78 Belton Middle School • Robotics for the Win — $4,200 • Story Drama — $800 • Beyond the Textbook: Creating Dynamic Science Learners in Belton ISD — $1,600 Spherion Middle School • Sixth Grade Science Labs — $4,000 Lake Belton Middle School • Journalism Filming Equipment — $250 • Etch-A-Sketch for Each and Every Artist — $875 North Belton Middle School • Bronco Media — $500 • Turning Pages, Building Futures: Novels and Hands-On Learning — $2,000 South Belton Middle School • SBMS Science: Equipping Labs for Safety and Discovery — $4,000 Belton High School • Translation Pens — $5,000 • Greenlee Trade Labs Electrical Certificate Program — $10,000 • Tiger STEAM Makerspace — $7,175 • Belton Tigers Esports — $5,000 Science in Action: Engaging Every Learner Through Hands-On Exploration — $2,000 Belton New Tech @Waskow • Cameras for Yearbook Program — $3,000 Lake Belton High School • Cyber-Resilience Challenge: Cybersecurity Escape Room Kits and Mentorship — $693.45 • Micro Camp — $3,755 • The Interdisciplinary Research Symposium — $2,151 • Game the System: Teaching Economics and Politics Through Play — $2,000 Administration • Bridging Ability and Activity with Assistive Technology in Adapted PE — $2,465.91 DAEP • STEM Kits for Elementary Students — $500 Delta Program • Delta Art Room — $2,000 • Printing Possibilities: Empowering Adults with Special Needs — $259

By Harvey Jackson Oss The Belton Journal Project Celebration will be holding their 6th annual Christmas Fair at Belton High School on Saturday, Dec. 14. The event will run from 1:30PM to 5:30PM and offers free entry to all attendees. Project Celebration is a group founded in 1988 at BHS that annually hosts a lock-in event for graduating seniors. The group provides a safe environment where students can celebrate the end of their high school career without the use of alcohol or drugs. “Everything is donated or volunteered,” said Darcy Turner, Project Celebration treasurer. “The funds raised go directly toward making the senior celebration possible.” This year’s Christmas Fair will feature over 40 vendors, including boutique shops, crafts, baked goods, and more. Activities include ornament making, games such as ring toss, and a bounce house. Santa will be present at the event. Last year’s Christmas Fair raised over $2,000. The committee hopes to raise around $3,000 this year. Project Celebration sponsors include Hudco Janton Creations, Prickly Treats, Hold My Halo, What the Craft, Crazy Ladies Crafting, Southern Sassy Sewing Co., Sweet Scent Candles, The Well Read Wrap, Hammonds Unique Gifts, Scentsy, Scott’s Italian Ice, Bronco Nutrition, Renee’s Dipped Treats, Redbird Books & Gifts, Simply Sassi Decor, The Rose Eagle, 624 Apparel, Savannah and Co., Bake Five Homemade Treats, Evie Morrow, Mary Kay, 4 Legs of Love Grooming, Anchor Me, Village Grounds Cafe + Play, Soda Loca, Cut Gifts Boutique, Turquoise, Put your Foot in it, Art by Sara, Hazel’s Bling n’ Things, FBC Temple, Oh My Charmy, Blessed Boutique, Mandy’s Catering, Other Side of the Moon, 11:11 Creations, T&C Cup Chaos, Daily Bread Provisions, JCK Creations, La Coqui Cooler, One of a Kind by Kelly, Mayday Faith, and Bubbly Brewista.

Special to the Journal Belton High School art students are decking the halls in a big way this season, completing a large-scale, student-designed “12 Days of Christmas” mural commissioned by a local family. The project began after a Belton couple requested a mural depicting the Twelve Days of Christmas for their home. The project was given to Belton High School art teacher Janet Alardin’s Art IV students, who were challenged to design twelve separate illustrations for each verse of the song. Alardin said the mural project was a way to give students experience working on a real-world art installation. “They were excited to be doing something that was going to be used,” she said. Each student sketched multiple ideas for their assigned verse, which were narrowed down through critique and revision. Final designs were selected and painted on panels. BHS students worked to complete one of the Twelve Days of Christmas panels, a commissioned art project. Courtesy Photo The finished mural was created by more than a dozen artists, each contributing a unique style while maintaining a cohesive overall design. Art IV student Samira Cruz said participating in the project was a highlight of her year. “It was exciting to think that something I made would be displayed in someone’s home,” she said. Once completed, the mural was installed as a permanent piece of art in the family’s home, just in time for the holidays.

By Michele Weissman The Belton Journal The Belton Tigers baseball team partnered with the Texas Ramp Project early on Saturday, Dec. 6, for a Belton resident. Measurements and design ready to cut and assemble, Nick Kozole, Belton’s head baseball coach, reached out to the local Texas Ramp Project, something he has done with every team he has coached. Kozole said, “The Texas Ramp Project is phenomenal. I’ve been working with Texas Ramp Project for about eight years. This is a community service event. It’s not mandatory by any means. But I think this is something that’s really good.” Thirty players signed up and would rotate in throughout the morning, as many had other obligations. The Texas Ramp Project, prior to a ramp build, has visited the residence home, measured and designed the ramp. Kozole said, “We are there, kind of helping hands…we’ll build these modules. It seems like a really big project, but honestly, anybody can do it, and it’s really cool. And then the boys are learning. We show up and we get to work.” The Texas Ramp Project volunteers guided the boys every step of the way, helping the Belton baseball team finish strong. Roxie Winkler with the Texas Ramp Project explained that 2025 will be their 40th anniversary of building ramps. “We’ve built more than 135 miles of ramps,” Winkler said. “People apply through their caregiver, doctor, or the social workers. They apply online for a ramp through Texas Ramp Project. I do a survey, figure out if it’s possible and what kind of slope.” Funding for supplies comes from grants and donations and their team of about 20 volunteers are from several local churches. “We serve the glory of Jesus Christ,” Winkler said. “For people to stay home, rather than have to go to assisted living. They also have to get to their doctor appointments, and the goal is to get a ramp from the front door to the car.” If you want to know more about the Texas Ramp Project, go to texasramps.org.