Belton environmental leaders honored at partnership ceremony

March 13, 2025

By Daniel Moctezuma

The Belton Journal

On March 6, 2025, representatives from Fort Cavazos and surrounding cities met at the Harris Community Center to recognize individuals and schools for their contributions to environmental efforts

The event included the signing of a proclamation declaring April as Sustainable Environment Month and the presentation of Environmental Ambassador Awards.

Belton’s Oscar Bersoza, head girls’ soccer coach at Belton High School and vice chair of the Belton Parks Board, was honored as the city’s Environmental Ambassador for his leadership in organizing cleanup projects through the school’s athletics program

“I’ve been in Belton since 1996, so I’m invested in this community, not just because I work at Belton ISD, but because I went to UMHB and Baylor, and my family has lived here a long time,” Bersoza said. “Giving back is important, and I think we all have a responsibility in that.”

Through Belton High School Athletics, students participate in at least two community service projects per year. Bersoza helped organize seasonal cleanups at Chisholm Trail Park, which has been adopted by the school.

"It’s real easy for us to just walk across the street and do some work,” Bersoza said. “We see that park being used constantly, so it made sense to invest in keeping it clean."

Water conservation is an issue he believes will continue to be important for the region.

“We all see Lake Belton go up and down,” he said. “Sustainability is about making sure the next generation understands how to take care of the environment, and for us, that means leading by example.

Copperas Cove’s Environmental Ambassador, Lynette Sowell, who also serves as editor of the Belton Journal, was recognized for her years of volunteer service with Keep Copperas Cove Beautiful, a committee she served on for three terms, a total of nine years

“It was extremely gratifying to be recognized by my community like this,” Sowell said. “I’ve been a longtime volunteer, and I think this is a testament to how much our community values working together to make things better for everyone.

During her time with Keep Copperas Cove Beautiful, Sowell participated in citywide cleanup efforts, including trash pickups, waterway cleanups, and the Don’t Mess With Texas Trash-Off. She also helped organize Eco Harvest, an annual educational event for third graders that teaches sustainability and recycling.

“Volunteering at these events in person has been incredibly rewarding,” she said.

Sowell believes that small efforts, like neighborhood litter pickups, can add up to a significant impact.

“One person can make a difference,” she said. “A lot of times, we think, ‘I’m just one person, what can I do?’ But just showing up and volunteering, over time, you can see the impact.”

Mayor David K. Leigh of Belton emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in sustainability efforts.

“We have to be more and more innovative because this region is growing at a three to five percent rate,” Leigh said. “That means there are three to five percent more people, but there’s not three to five percent more water every year. We have to continue working together."

Belton and Copperas Cove were among nine communities that participated in the ceremony, alongside Killeen, Nolanville, Harker Heights, Gatesville, Salado, Lampasas, and Fort Cavazos. The event also recognized local schools through the Youth Environmental Ambassadors (YEA!) Program, which highlights student-led sustainability initiatives.

Belton High School Athletics was honored alongside individual ambassadors, and Copperas Cove schools, including Hettie Halstead Elementary, Martin Walker Elementary, Fairview/ Miss Jewell Elementary, and Crossroads High School, were recognized for their environmental projects.

The event concluded with a formal signing of the Sustainable Environment Month proclamation, reinforcing the commitment of Fort Cavazos and its partner cities to environmental preservation.