InBuckeye Magazine November/December 2025

InBuckeye Magazine November/December 2025 InMaricopa.com InMaricopa is Maricopa's premier local news source InMaricopa is your go-to source for hyper-local news and information about Maricopa, Arizona. Stay informed with the latest community updates, events, and stories that matter to our city. InMaricopa is the only dedicated news outlet focusing exclusively on the city of Maricopa, ensuring residents are always in the know.

November 2025

InBuckeye.com

As Buckeye expands, so does its hometown dental practice SERVICE WITH A SMILE

HISTORY • COMMUNITY • GOVERNMENT • BUSINESS • MORE

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November 2025

LEADING OFF Editor’s letter 4 HISTORY

Get back to life.

We found a map of Buckeye from 1967 6 How Buckeye became home to Arizona's strangest giant 8 COMMUNITY Should Verrado be its own city? 12 We sought the best-decorated Halloween houses in Verrado 16 Inspired by her aunt, interpreter gives deaf students a voice 18 Local showmen win big at State Fair 21 EDUCATION Verrado teacher shares her love of math with students 22 GOVERNMENT Meet the members of the Buckeye Youth Council 24 BUSINESS How Market Street Dental grows alongside Buckeye 30 Mapping business news around the city 32 Day of Service delights dozens down on their luck 34

Verrado entrepreneur talks trials, tribulations and termites 35 Which 30 Buckeyans won chamber awards this year? 36 7 easy steps to slash the risk of skin cancer 37 REAL ESTATE Extreme home sales 38 Market snapshot: Third quarter 40 Top homebuilder's take on creating community in Verrado 42

DIRECTORY Your guide to Buckeye businesses 44 TRENDING What’s the latest in Buckeye? 46 PARTING SHOT Classic VW on Verrado's Main Street 47

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InBuckeye.com | November 2025

Editor’s Letter ELIAS WEISS

We're all building something

T HIS ISSUE OF INBUCKEYE IS ABOUT PEOPLE WHO BUILD THINGS. HOMES, classrooms, neighborhoods, confidence. You’ll meet students from the Buckeye Youth Council who are already learning what leadership looks like. You’ll meet a Verrado math teacher who helps students see that every problem has a solution, even the tough ones. Our real estate coverage looks at a calmer market that’s finally catching its breath. Builders like K. Hovnanian Homes are still betting on Verrado’s meteoric growth, while residents on Main Street talk about whether the neighborhood could ever stand as its own city.

Publisher SCOTT BARTLE

Editorial Director ELIAS WEISS

Editorial Consultant HAL DeKEYSER

Advertising VINCENT MANFREDI AMBER ROGALLA BRITTANY RUSSELL TIFFANY WELCH Writers CARRIE K. SNIDER MONICA D. SPENCER

We also shine a light on neighbors who give more than they take. An interpreter in Buckeye gives deaf students a voice. A local auto shop spends a Saturday fixing cars for families who need the help. A dentist’s office grows by caring about people first. And at the Chamber’s annual awards, the city comes together to recognize the volunteers and small businesses that make Buckeye stronger. This issue captures a community that’s growing, helping, learning and still finding its shape. That’s what makes it worth covering.

Photographers MONICA D. SPENCER

Designer CARL BEZUIDENHOUT

Happy holidays, and see you all in 2026!

MISSION Inform readers/viewers. Enrich advertisers.

ELIAS WEISS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Elias@InBuckeye.com

BELIEFS We believe in: • An informed citizenry. • Holding ourselves and others accountable. • The success of deserving businesses.

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• Open, honest, real-time communication • Prosperity for clients, community, company

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HISTORY

LONG BEFORE

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In 1967, Buckeye was a farm town of fewer than 2,000 people. This map, drafted by John Carollo Engineers of Phoenix, shows the community decades before Verrado was even an idea on paper. You can see (from top) Narramore, Monroe and Centre Avenues and Lower River Road, all still in use today. Sixth Street is labeled Main Street. Monroe curves north to meet U.S. 80, the highway that connected Buckeye to the rest of the Valley before Interstate 10. VERRADO, HERE WAS BUCKEYE IN 1967 BY ELIAS WEISS

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Look closer, and you’ll see landmarks that remain today. Buckeye Elementary School sits north of Centre Avenue, and Buckeye Preschool is just south (marked with flags). On the southwest corner of Fifth Street and Centre, the Maricopa County Housing Authority’s Watson

Homes neighborhood appears as the “Mahoney Housing Project,” which still stands today. The Mahoney project was controversial. Arizona Republic articles from 1960 show local motel owners opposed it and other low-rent public housing in Buckeye, arguing such projects would discourage tourism. See this aerial photo (left) from 1960, preserved by the Arizona Memory Project. The Southern Pacific Railroad runs diagonally through the map, cutting across farmland and canal lines. Industrial parcels line the tracks, while open fields spread south toward the river. Nearly everything north of the canal and east of town is empty desert. This was Buckeye before the boom. The town’s center was already defined by the same streets and schools, but surrounded by cotton, canals and quiet. The location of InBuckeye ’s office is depicted on this map, near Fourth Street and Edison Avenue. Can you find it?

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HISTORY

TIRED OF HIDING YOUR SMILE?

HOBO JOE How Buckeye became home to Arizona’s strangest giant STAFF REPORT I F YOU’VE DRIVEN DOWN MONROE AVENUE in the heart of downtown Buckeye, chances are you’ve spotted him: a towering, 25-foot-tall statue of a scruffy hobo in patched clothes, offering a friendly wave to traffic. He’s hard to miss — and even harder to explain. To longtime locals, he’s simply Hobo Joe. To newcomers, he’s a roadside mystery. But behind the weathered smile and worn-out boots lies a tale that stretches from the heyday of Phoenix diners to the heart of Buckeye’s sense of quirky pride. This is the story of how a fiberglass drifter found a permanent home in one of America’s fastest-growing cities — and why he matters more than you might think. The origins of Hobo Joe Hobo Joe began life not in Buckeye, but in Phoenix. In the mid-1960s, Herb Applegate, a Detroit transplant, partnered with others to create a new kind of coffee shop. In 1965, they launched the Hobo Joe’s restaurant chain, which quickly grew to several locations throughout the Valley. The branding leaned into Americana kitsch. Hobo Joe was the chain’s cartoonish mascot — a well-traveled, big-hearted vagabond who had supposedly chosen a carefree life of train- hopping, storytelling and, of course, a love for hearty meals. In promotional materials, he was described as a “World Traveler, Philosopher and Connoisseur of Good Food.” Despite the goofy premise, the chain built a loyal customer base with its big breakfasts, casual feel and down-home prices. As part of the restaurant’s visual identity, artist Jim Casey, a former Disney animator, was commissioned to sculpt a version of Hobo Joe in clay. This would be cast into large fiberglass statues that could greet guests outside the restaurants. The work was completed by Phoenix-based fabricator Marvin Ransdell, who created several versions — including at least two full-size giants over 20 feet tall.

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HISTORY

Repairs • Springs • Openers • New Doors

Unfortunately, by the 1980s, Hobo Joe’s restaurants were fading. Financial issues hit the chain hard, and many locations closed. One of the full-size statues, made but never installed at a restaurant, remained at Ransdell’s fabrication yard for years. That’s when the story takes a Buckeye turn. A gift between friends In 1989, Ransdell gave the statue to his friend Ramon Gillum, who owned Gillum’s Meat & Locker, a butcher and meat processing facility just outside Buckeye’s downtown core. Gillum accepted the massive gift and installed it proudly in front of his business, where it stood for nearly three decades. There, Hobo Joe loomed over a dusty lot on Monroe Avenue, just west of downtown. Surrounded by meat trucks, cattle pens and feedbags, the statue became a curious part of Buckeye’s roadside landscape. He wasn’t promoted as a tourist attraction or marked on maps, but he stood watch nonetheless, weathering the Arizona sun and countless questions from passersby. While Hobo Joe was known to most longtime residents, he remained something of a mystery to newer ones. Some assumed he was a relic from an old carnival. Others figured he was a mascot for the meat plant. In reality, he was both more ordinary and more interesting: a link to a forgotten slice of Phoenix history and a reminder that sometimes odd things stick around simply because people care about them. A move, a makeover and a new home By the mid-2010s, change was coming. Gillum’s property was sold, and the statue had to be moved. It wasn’t in great shape — decades of exposure had worn away paint, fiberglass and structural stability. But Buckeye wasn’t ready to say goodbye. A coalition of local preservation advocates, city supporters and Buckeye Main Street representatives organized a plan to save and restore the statue. In 2016, Hobo Joe was moved from his longtime home at 1015 Monroe Ave. to an offsite location for storage and repair. The restoration was no small task. Local firm Serbin Studio was brought in to reinforce the internal structure, patch the fiberglass and rebuild the base. The statue was also sandblasted, repainted and prepared for a new permanent display. The project took several years and relied heavily on community support, including

contributions from the John F. Youngker family, who helped fund the relocation and installation. In 2020, Hobo Joe returned — this time to downtown Buckeye, just south of Monroe Avenue and 5th Street. Positioned in a walkable, revitalized part of the city, he now serves as a sort of unofficial greeter to visitors exploring historic Buckeye. He’s even listed on roadside attractions sites like Roadside America and Atlas Obscura , helping put Buckeye on the map in a whole new way.

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A symbol of Buckeye’s past and its quirky spirit So, why does Hobo Joe matter?

In a city growing as fast as Buckeye, where master-planned communities and commercial developments are reshaping the desert skyline, Hobo Joe offers something older; something handmade and a little bit weird. He’s a reminder of a time when local businesses defined a place’s personality, when fiberglass giants ruled roadside America and when a meat locker owner could adopt a 25- foot statue just because he liked it. That kind of character doesn’t come from a zoning map. It grows from stories, from friendships and from the simple decision to keep something around because it means something, even if you can’t quite explain what. Final thoughts for newcomers If you’ve just moved to Buckeye and are still finding your footing, take a drive downtown and look for Hobo Joe. Snap a photo. Read up on his backstory. Think about the layers of history under your feet — the farmers, the ranchers, the restaurant dreamers, the artists and the families who’ve shaped this town in big and small ways. Because in a city that’s racing toward the future, Hobo Joe is a wave from the past. Cheerful, odd and totally Buckeye.

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COMMUNITY

MAN ON THE STREET

WELCOME TO IMAGINE BUCKEYE!

SHOULD VERRADO BE ITS OWN CITY? BY MONICA D. SPENCER S INCE 2020, BUCKEYE’S POPULATION HAS SURGED NEARLY 25%, ONE OF THE STEEPEST INCREASES IN THE U.S. That explosive growth is especially visible in the 85396 ZIP code, home to Verrado and its surrounding developments. Though real estate analysts with Aterio project a more moderate 5.8% population gain from 2025 to 2030, the community’s rapid 55.1% expansion over the past five years means more than a third of its residents arrived this decade. The pace has even sparked neighborhood chatter about whether Verrado could one day stand on its own as an incorporated city. With more than 14,000 homes across 8,800 acres, Verrado already exceeds Carefree, Cave Creek and Paradise Valley in population — and it’s geographically larger than Tolleson, Carefree and El Mirage. To see how locals feel about the idea, we hit Main Street to ask around. For now, most say it’s an open question.

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I don’t know — maybe. A lot of people already think Verrado is its own place, separate from Buckeye. My husband and I usually tell people we live in Verrado, but we’re actually right across the street from the high school in Litchfield Park. It just feels easier to say “Verrado” than “Litchfield Park” or “Buckeye.”

If they want to separate from the city like Beverly Hills or Hollywood, that’s fine. I’d just be interested in how it would affect tax rates — especially with how much Buckeye has taken on for all these projects around the city. Verrado starts at the freeway, and it feels like Verrado is here and Buckeye is there. It’s such a huge area. I’ve been in Verrado for 10 years, and I care more about what’s better for us. As a Verrado resident, whatever benefits our community is OK with me.

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HOW COULD VERRADO BREAK AWAY?

For Verrado to break away from Buckeye and incorporate as its own city, residents — not the city or county — would have to initiate the process through one of two methods under Arizona law: either by collecting signatures from two- thirds of registered voters in the area to automatically form a municipality once verified by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, or by gathering signatures from at least 10% of voters to trigger an election in which a simple majority would decide whether to incorporate. In either case, the board’s role is limited to confirming that the petitions meet population and legal requirements before officially declaring incorporation. State law requires at least 3,000 residents to form a city (or 1,500 for a town), and if the area lies within 10 miles of an existing incorporated city or town with 5,000 or more residents, that municipality must grant written consent before the new city can form — mean- ing Buckeye would have to approve Verrado’s separation.

▲ Tara Esling HIGHLANDS

I don’t even know. Let me ask ChatGPT. (She asks the AI.) It says Verrado already feels like its own town, and I think that’s true. People here never say they live in Buckeye. But ChatGPT also says staying part of Buckeye allows residents to benefit from shared resources. I think that’s true, too. Buckeye’s one of the fastest-growing cities, and that could really help Verrado. So, I don’t know. Feeling like its own town might be good enough. We can still benefit from being part of Buckeye.

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Interviews have been edited for brevity and clarity.

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COMMUNITY

HALLOWEEN, VERRADO STYLE Homes across Verrado transformed into haunted showpieces this Halloween, drawing trick-or-treaters from across Buckeye with towering inflatables, eerie lighting and movie-set-worthy front yards.

InBuckeye.com | November 2025

November 2025 | InBuckeye.com

COMMUNITY

Signing at home with family is a lot different than interpreting out in the world, she said. “I had to learn the skill.” She attended Pierce College in California to study sign language. Her first job was with a deaf program at a public school, where she worked for 17 years. “I worked with a deaf teacher who I would call my deaf mom,” Seid said. “She was awesome.” The teacher’s deaf family and deep cultural knowledge became a source of mentorship for Seid. A big part of sign language, she learned, is facial expression. While an interpreter signs, they match the speaker’s energy to carry the nonverbal cues. “It’s kind of like the intonation in your voice,” she said. “Your eyebrows go up and down if you're shocked or what have you. You just show on your face what you hear in your ears. It’s a lot of expression.” The deaf teacher Seid worked with taught classes of various ages of deaf students who also attended a traditional public school. They’d take certain classes with her, then join lunch, P.E. and other activities with hearing students. That’s how the deaf community operated in California, where there were more services and opportunities than in New York, where Seid's aunt was born. “That’s why my aunt had originally moved to California,” Seid said. Moving to Buckeye After a long career in California, things changed for Seid. The pandemic hit the deaf community hard, and California had very tight restrictions. Ultimately, Seid moved to Arizona. Friends lived in Buckeye, so she decided to give it a try. “It was a big culture shock at first,” she said, citing Buckeye’s rural nature and sparse deaf population. Eventually, she started working for the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind, which offers services to schools throughout Arizona. For Seid, that means following students within traditional classrooms. “Whenever they're in session, I'm in the classroom,” she said. Right now, she interprets for a junior high student in Buckeye and assists at West-MEC as needed. “Anytime my student isn’t in session, I am free to go do other interpreting jobs,” she added. While technology has helped people in the deaf community — from light systems for

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Jelsa Seid signs for a deaf student in a Buckeye classroom Oct. 17.

I NSPIRED BY HER DEAF AUNT, JELSA SEID FOUND HER LIFE PURPOSE EARLY ON — BRIDGING THE GAP between the deaf and hearing worlds as an American Sign Language interpreter. And while it can be a challenging job, she wouldn’t change it for anything. It all started when her aunt taught her to sign at a young age. “She would get me Sesame Street Sign Language books and teach me,” Seid said. “I was raised in the household communicating with her. I love my aunt, and we had a great bond. I just really wanted to communicate with her. It came easy for me, and I loved it.” Not everyone in her family learned to sign, so Seid became her aunt’s main interpreter. “I got so frustrated growing up with my aunt always asking me, ‘What are they saying?’ So, I finally became an interpreter. Whether it was a restaurant or an event or family or whatever, I always interpreted for her.” 'MY HANDS TALK’ How a Buckeye interpreter gives deaf students a voice BY CARRIE K. SNIDER

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COMMUNITY

and brain,” she said. “Students with cochlear implants can experience hearing fatigue too. Because listening isn’t natural for them, it takes extra focus and energy.” Socially, deaf students in hearing schools may feel different. “That’s where we come in,” she said. “We interpret what everybody says so they can feel included.” How that affects them depends on personality. Outgoing students tend to do well, while more reserved students might feel isolated. “It really just depends, just like a hearing kid.” Being ready for any situation is a big part of her job as a sign language interpreter. Recently, the school where she interprets for a local Buckeye student had an assembly. It was loud and chaotic. Seid jumped right in. “If they sound crazy and are trying to get the audience riled up, then I have to look crazy and get the audience riled up,” she said. “I just kind of project everything I hear to make it very inclusive.” Sign language classes One thing Seid wishes is that more hearing

doorbells or smoke alarms to bed shakers and cochlear implants — her job hasn’t changed much. Students still need her to interpret what teachers and classmates say in real time. Each student is unique, especially when considering whether they come from a hearing family or a deaf family. Some students grow up learning only ASL and may not know much written English, while others are taught both. “For some students, their reading and writing abilities lag compared to an average student,” Seid said. “So, texting has made communicating easier, but only if they know written English grammar.” Seid also taught her own daughter sign language as her first language. Her daughter is hearing, but young children can usually sign before they can speak. Challenges of signing Deaf students face more challenges than most people realize, Seid explained. “For a profoundly deaf student, watching an interpreter all day can cause visual fatigue. They might need short breaks to rest their eyes

people had the chance to learn sign language. “I wish all schools taught sign language, just like they teach Spanish,” she said. “Anybody can go deaf in an accident, from being too sick, or a high fever. Anybody can go deaf at any time in their life.” Sign language is also a powerful tool for children who aren’t verbal, such as those with autism or Down syndrome. “They can use sign language as well to communicate,” she said. For those who want to learn, she recommends YouTube tutorials and learning apps such as Signing Time, which she used with her daughter. More recently, Seid’s aunt has also gone blind, adding another challenge on top of being deaf. So now Seid uses tactile signing — communicating through touch. “It’s pretty amazing,” she said. “Her hands are on my hands, and they follow mine around as I sign.” It’s a huge gift Seid can offer her aunt, but in return, her aunt gave her the gift of a lifetime — a career helping others find their voice through her hands.

Brown sisters win big at State Fair Two young livestock showmen from Buckeye are making a name for themselves on the state and national stage. Sisters Kate and Bridget Brown, Odyssey 4-H club members at Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Studies, took first and second place in Swine Showmanship at the Arizona State Fair this fall, continuing an impressive streak that began last spring when the duo also swept the top two spots in Maricopa County Swine Showmanship. The Brown girls have grown up around agriculture and competition. Their commitment to hard work and animal care shines through in the showring, where their connection with their animals consistently stands out. Next, the Brown sisters will represent Arizona at the National 4-H Showmanship Competition in December, where they’ll compete against the top showmen from across the country. “It’s been incredible to see their dedication pay off,” said mom Cathy Brown. “They spend early mornings and late evenings in the barn. This is the result of true passion and perseverance.”

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EDUCATION

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

Verrado teacher shares her love of math with students V ETERAN MATH TEACHER CAMILLE JACKSON HAS SPENT MORE THAN A DECADE HELPING Verrado High School students find confidence in the subject many fear most. After 11 years with the Agua Fria High School District, she’s known on campus for turning confusion into a-ha moments and for reminding students every day is a chance to start fresh. For Jackson, math can teach students an invaluable life lesson: Every problem has a solution.

give me the answer, she challenges me to find it.” That’s exactly what I try to do. Students already have the intuition; I just help them uncover it, because they won’t always have someone there to guide them through uncertainty. What makes Verrado High School special? I love our three-wall classrooms. They allow teachers to collaborate across the halls and apply what we hear in other classes to our own lessons. The entire campus really becomes one big classroom. What do you enjoy most about working with high school students? The conversations. I enjoy talking with students about their past, present and future; encouraging them to take risks, learn from mistakes and know it’s OK to be uncomfortable. What’s one memory from your career that has stayed with you? A student once told me to keep calling on him during class because it helped him stay focused and understand concepts better. That honesty meant a lot to me. It showed he trusted that I was pushing him for the right reasons.

What inspired you to become a teacher? While working as a manager at Home Depot, I noticed many cashiers struggled to count back change. I thought that was a basic skill, and it made me realize I could help others understand math better. That’s what led me into education. I’ve been teaching at Verrado High School since 2014. What subject do you teach, and what do you enjoy most about it? I currently teach Algebra II. I love watching students make connections and get excited when they can explain a concept that once felt impossible to them. Seeing that growth and confidence is the best part of teaching. What do you hope students take away from your classroom beyond academics? I want students to know I care about them as people — not just as math students. My classroom is a space where they’re supported as individuals. How would your students describe your teaching style? One of my students once said, “She doesn’t just

them even when they made mistakes. Every moment is a new opportunity to reset and try again. What teacher inspired you, and how did they shape your approach? My Algebra II teacher, Mrs. Green, at Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe. She was stern but always willing to help. I try to bring that same balance of high expectations and support to my own classroom.

How do you keep students engaged and motivated in today’s fast-changing world? I remind them high school provides the foundation — the basics. Once they leave, they’ll get to explore what truly interests them. The world gives you options; don’t limit yourself. What impact do you hope to have on your students’ futures? I hope they remember someone cared about

Are there any school programs or events you’re especially proud to support? All of them — from fundraisers to senior nights to teacher appreciation events. I do my best to show up and support the whole school community.

CAMILLE JACKSON

Age: 58 Residence: Tolleson

Years with Verrado High School: 11 Alma mater: Arizona State University Master of Education: University of Phoenix

InBuckeye.com | November 2025

November 2025 | InBuckeye.com

GOVERNMENT

Thomas Duarte

ways to design a city that helps the fire department respond faster. Leadership also takes assertiveness, because people will always have opinions or push back. It’s important to stay confident and keep pushing for your vision, even when it’s challenging. What makes Buckeye unique? The speed at which Buckeye is growing is incredible. It feels like there’s nonstop development — new houses, new stores, everywhere you look. I’ve watched the area transform from mostly farmland to a landscape filled with warehouses and neighborhoods. How can people in Buckeye get more involved? Let people in Buckeye know when you’re going to an event, or tag friends and the city when you post about it. One of the biggest things I’ve noticed is that most people just don’t know what’s happening in other parts of Buckeye — it’s such a big city that events in one area often go unnoticed in another.

Why did you join the Buckeye Youth Council? I’ve always been interested in Buckeye. When you look at a lot of communities in Arizona, they don’t really have a central hub of activity, which makes it hard for people to connect. I thought, I can help change that. So, I decided to get involved and do my part. Why is it important for people to get involved in the community? Because communities depend on the input and experiences of the people who live in them. A community isn’t just a neighborhood full of houses, it’s a place with its own traditions and culture. That’s what truly makes a community a community. What makes a good leader? A good leader has a clear goal or mission — something that truly makes a difference, like finding new

T ODAY’S LOCAL TEENS MAY JUST BE TOMORROW’S LEADERS — AND THE newest group of Buckeye Youth Council members is already proving it. This driven group of young people has hit the ground running, learning valuable skills they’ll carry for life. Together, they attend meetings, volunteer at community events and work side by side to help shape Buckeye’s future. The BYC includes 19 students from schools across the city, united by a mission to empower young leaders and develop their character, communication and community spirit. Here’s what six members had to say about their experiences so far. TOMORROW’S LEADERS Meet the Buckeye Youth Council BY CARRIE K. SNIDER

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was so talented. There were artists, future lawyers, politicians and students interested in veterinary medicine. You learn so much just by talking to people. It gives you a better sense of who Buckeye is, not just what Buckeye is. Why is it important for people to get involved in the community? When you get connected with your community, you gain a stronger sense of self. You start to learn who your neighbors are and think about how you can help each other. You also discover new opportunities. For example, the Buckeye Library has so many art programs. I was looking through them and thought, Oh my goodness, I didn’t even know these existed.

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Why did you join the Buckeye Youth Council? I love how many opportunities Buckeye offers for its teenagers. When I was looking through them, I came across the Buckeye Youth Council and thought it would be an amazing way to help all the new people moving here. I wanted to make sure their voices are heard and that there are events and activities for them to enjoy. What have you gained so far in the Buckeye Youth Council? So far, it’s been about making great connections. At the first orientation meeting, I started talking to people, and everyone

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distinct. Yet somehow, everyone still seems to know everyone.

What makes a good leader? I think it’s important not to go into leadership with the mindset of wanting control or recognition. It should be about asking how you can support and amplify others. You’re only as strong as your weakest link, and everyone should work together as equals.

How can people in Buckeye get more involved? Learning about all the opportunities has been eye- opening. There’s so much in Buckeye that flies under the radar, from arts programs and the Buckeye Youth Council to opportunities through the fire and police departments that even teens can join. It’s really about getting out there and getting involved. The farmers markets are starting back up, too.

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Buckeye is a huge community, but it still manages to keep that perfect small-town feel. It’s amazing. When you go to places like Verrado or Monroe, they’re both part of Buckeye but feel very

InBuckeye.com | November 2025

November 2025 | InBuckeye.com

GOVERNMENT

Savanna Sanchez

picking up trash or volunteering, it makes a big difference. It helps the whole community. What makes a good leader? It’s important to not only put yourself out there and network with others, but also to listen. Listening is a huge part of being effective and making real connections. What makes Buckeye unique? The people. Everyone here is so friendly. It used to feel like a small town where everyone knew each other, and even though we’re growing, I think we’re moving in the right direction with all the development and community involvement. I really love it here. How can people in Buckeye get more involved? Honestly, just start by showing up to local events. Read the news and check city updates to see what’s coming up. You can also help by donating. Buckeye has a few food shelters that we partner with through the Buckeye Youth Council for food drives and other efforts, so keep an eye out for those opportunities.

Lamarion Buie

your voice heard and stepping outside your usual circle. I can’t wait to see how things keep changing. Getting involved is such a great experience, especially because you meet so many new people. What makes a good leader? Being a good leader means actively listening, communicating well and supporting your team. It also means staying involved and continuing to try new things, even when they’re outside your comfort zone. What makes Buckeye unique? Everything. I love Buckeye. It’s unique in so many ways. The farmers work hard, the mayor does a great job, and the people here really see the good in our city. That’s what makes Buckeye special.

Why did you join the Buckeye Youth Council? I’ve noticed that being a leader requires strong communication skills. That’s something I’ve realized I need to keep improving, and I think a lot of young people do too. Building that skill can really benefit everyone. What have you gained so far in the Buckeye Youth Council? I think I could really focus on improving my communication skills and learning more about how serving the community actually works. We visit local businesses and the fire department, and I’ve never really thought about how they operate on the inside. Seeing things behind the scenes is amazing. I love learning, and I know I’ll learn a lot from this experience. Why is it important for people to get involved in the community? If everyone helps out just a little, whether it’s

Why did you join the Buckeye Youth Council?

To make a difference. Innovation and diversity are both important, and it’s about making sure our voices are heard. That’s what drew me to the Buckeye Youth Council. I thought this would be a great opportunity to meet new people and be part of something meaningful.

What have you gained so far in the Buckeye Youth Council?

Leadership and teamwork have been the biggest takeaways for me. After becoming vice chair, I’ve gained a lot of leadership experience. When I first joined, I told myself, let’s see what I can build here. And we’re just getting started.

How can people in Buckeye get more involved?

Reaching out and going to more events makes a big difference. Visit the recreation center and get involved. When you do, trust me, you’ll have some of the most fun you’ve ever had.

Why is it important for people to get involved in the community?

Life is about creating opportunities for yourself, and getting involved is how you do that. It’s about making

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November 2025 | InBuckeye.com

GOVERNMENT

A COMMUNITY A COMMUNITY PASSIONATE ABOUT STUDENT SUCCESS PASSIONATE ABOUT STUDENT SUCCESS

Alexa Marcado Garay

great for people to get involved, come together and make a difference as a community. What makes a good leader? A good leader is a good listener and someone who takes initiative. As secretary of the council, I’m often in the background, but it’s my job to keep track of everything that’s discussed. If I just write things down without follow- ing through, nothing gets done and the community doesn’t improve. It’s about motivating each other to step up, because everyone on the council shares the same goal of giving back. Having a clear, step-by-step plan is really import- ant so we can make a real impact on the community. How can people in Buckeye get more involved? Follow the Buckeye Youth Council on Instagram, as well as the City of Buck- eye and Buckeye Events pages. We post updates and surveys to get feedback on what the community needs. With that input, I think we can really make a positive impact on Buckeye.

Why did you join the Buckeye Youth Council? I joined the Buckeye Youth Council because my friends were part of it and told me about all the things they got to do. I saw pictures of them in Washing- ton, D.C., and at different conferences. After reading more about it, I thought, That sounds pretty cool. What have you gained so far in the Buckeye Youth Council? One of the biggest things I’ve gained is teamwork. Being on the council means working with other members and peers in Buckeye, so collaborating and find- ing strategies to improve the communi- ty has really strengthened that skill. I’ve also improved my communication and organization skills. Why is it important for people to get involved in the community? Because you’re helping shape how the city works. You’re not only helping yourself, but you’re also helping others — especially those who don’t have as many opportunities. I think it’s really

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get involved in the community? Humans are social by nature, and building community strengthens that bond. It’s how we connect. In today’s world, with so much technology, things can feel isolating. Getting back out there, reconnecting with others in a modern way, and helping the people around you is exactly why it’s important to get involved. How can people in Buckeye get more involved? There are always big events and council meetings to attend, but there’s also a smaller, everyday way to get involved. It’s about helping the people around you. Community can exist on that personal level, helping someone with their groceries, offering to help them cross the street, or even just saying hi or giving a compliment. That’s how you build the sense of community we were talking about earlier.

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