By LYNETTE SOWELL-STEVENS
Cove Leader-Press
A Copperas Cove youth entrepreneur came away with four major awards during the 2026 Lemonade Day Fort Hood Area Awards.
Trenton Buckram, owner of Trentman’s Lemonade of Copperas Cove, was named Youth Entrepreneur of the Year during the annual awards ceremony held June 16.
The event celebrates the achievements of young entrepreneurs who participate in Lemonade Day, held the first weekend in May.
Buckram earned $3,089 in profit from his stand, which earned him the Most Profit Award.
In addition to his business success, Buckram was honored with the Most Charitable Contribution Award after donating $650 to local causes, such as the annual Peanut Butter Bowl and helping provide funds so local kids can attend sports camps.
Judges also selected Trentman’s Lemonade as the winner of the Best Overall Lemonade contest.
Buckram, who just completed 4th grade, also placed second in the Best of the Zest competition, a Shark Tank-style business pitch contest that evaluates participants on their business plans, presentation skills and entrepreneurial vision.
Rounding out awards for Copperas Cove includes Stefanie Seaver, first grade teacher at House Creek Elementary School, who received the Lemonade Day Fort Hood Area Teacher of the Year for 2026,
This year, her class had a stand, Howlin' Lemon Crew, offering lemonade and baked goods.
The students made $503.79 through sales and donations.
“Mrs. Seaver's guidance helped students gain real-world business experience, from managing sales to learning marketing and customer service,” stated Fort Hood Area Lemonade Day reps on their social media page.
Other awards included:
2026 Lemmy Awards Winners
Volunteer of the Year – Carmen Garcia (First National Bank Texas)
Recognized for her years of dedicated service, volunteering at numerous Lemonade Day events and consistently going above and beyond to support youth entrepreneurs.
Partner of the Year – Killeen ISD
Increased Lemonade Day participation from 60 students in 2025 to more than 400 students in 2026, significantly expanding entrepreneurship education across the district.
Sponsor of the Year – Raising Cane’s
Demonstrated exceptional support through event sponsorships, catering, volunteer judges, and ongoing investment in youth entrepreneurship.
Best of the Zest Winners
1st Place – Sofia Posada (Sour Hour Lemonade)
Earned top honors for delivering the strongest Shark Tank-style business pitch.
3rd Place – Youth Impacting the World Lemonade Stand (Malachi Artis, Melani Hood, Kenzli Hood, Madison Sylvester & MaKenzie Sylvester)
Recognized for their creative business concept and impactful presentation.
Best Tasting Lemonade Contest Winners
Best Lemonade Presentation – The Sunshine Sippers (Adalyn Spencer, Ayva Williams, Divina Rodriguez, Melissa Oliveira & Kasie Stephens)
Stood out with an exceptional presentation and overall customer experience.
Most Unique Lemonade – Abigail Smith (Abby’s Lemonade Surprise)
Earned recognition for creating the most original and distinctive lemonade flavor.
Best Stand Contest Winners
Most Social Media Likes – Amoura Armistead (Amoura’s Lemonade Stand)
Generated the most community engagement and support online.
3rd Place – Quinn McGuire (Quinn’s Watermelon Lemonade Stand)
Recognized for a creative and visually appealing stand design.
2nd Place – Mia Abrams (Mia’s Lemonade)
Earned second place for an outstanding and well-executed stand.
1st Place – 3 Bees Lemonade & Sweet Treats (Bryce West, Bennett West, Payne Jones & Beau Sills)
Took top honors for an exceptional stand that showcased creativity, branding, and customer appeal.
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.