By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
On March 26, Fort Hood and neighboring communities to include Copperas Cove, Gatesville, Harker Heights, Killeen, Lampasas, Nolanville, Salado and Belton, the Cen-Tex Sustainable Communities Partnership, recognized the month of April as Sustainable Environment Month.
Representatives from Fort Hood and the communities signed a proclamation and recognized individual, families, and organization from each partner community with the 2026 Cen-Tex Sustainable Communities Partnership Environmental Ambassador Award.
In addition, students and schools were recognized as winners for a variety of initiatives under the Youth Environmental Ambassadors! Program.
Renee Moore was recognized as Environmental Ambassador for the City of Copperas Cove.
Moore is a teacher at Crossroads High School.
“Renee and her students have demonstrated outstanding commitment to sustainability through hands-on learning and meaningful environmental practices. This year, they built their very own greenhouse and garden, where they successfully grew a variety of vegetables and fruits—including an abundant harvest of sweet watermelons,” said KCCB Executive Director, Anna Rodriguez.
“From the very first weeks of school, the class began their recycling efforts, collecting two truck beds full of recyclable materials. They then participated in a guided trip to the local self-sorting recycling center, giving students the opportunity to see firsthand how recycling is managed in our community.
“They have also fostered a consistent practice of picking up litter around their area, teaching students the importance of maintaining a clean environment and how these small actions contribute to a healthier community.
“One of the greatest highlights was their enthusiastic participation in this year’s Eco-Harvest Fashion Show, where many of her students created and modeled outfits made from at least 75% recyclable materials. Their creativity, teamwork, and passion for environmental stewardship were on full display.
“Renee’s leadership and the students’ dedication make them exceptional role models for our community. They embody the spirit of environmental responsibility, innovation, and education.”
A total of four Copperas Cove Elementary campuses were recognized as YEA! Awardees.
YEA! stands for Youth Environmental Ambassadors.
Hettie Halstead Elementary won the Greater Fort Hood Recycle Bowl for their recycling efforts, and were also recognized for Lights Out Lunch, and Sustained Excellence.
Also receiving Sustained Excellence recognition were Martin Walker Elementary and Fairview/Miss Jewell Elementary.
House Creek Elementary along with Kline Whitis Elementary in Lampasas were recognized with the Rising Star Award. Kline Whitis was also awarded for School Beautification efforts.
Other area City Ambassadors include:
Belton: Jim Deeken
Fort Hood: Sergeant First Class Floyd Bristol
Gatesville: Keep Gatesville Beautiful
Harker Heights: Roxanne Flores
Killeen: Scedric Moss
Lampasas: Forward Lampasas
Nolanville: Mary Jane Utterback
Village of Salado: Linda Griffith, Karen V. Morris
A new award, the Most Valuable Protector, recognized a past community Environmental Ambassador awardee who has continued to make an impact in the Central Texas region.
This year’s awardee is the Tavera Green Force - Martín Tavera, Antonio Tavera and Thiago Tavera.
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