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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Lena Erickson
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
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