COUNCIL UPDATE on Buckeye
3 5 7 8 the official publication of the city of Buckeye
March 2025
What Is the BYC: In Our Words Meet the Team
How To Get Involved Interviews with Councilman Youngker & Mayor Orsborn
District 1 Representative Tony Youngker
I t’s a Buckeye Youth Council takeover for this edition of the Eye on Buckeye as we showcase the incredible work these young leaders are doing for our city. Comprised of 19 individuals from 8th grade to high school seniors, the BYC empowers youth through leadership development focusing on Character, Community and Communication.
The BYC meets monthly to plan and collaborate, identifying issues that matter to Buckeye’s youth and advocating for their needs. Members volunteer at community events, serve as positive role models and develop leadership skills through real-world projects. They also participate in field trips and conferences that provide hands-on leadership experiences.
CITY OF BUCKEYE 530 E. Monroe Ave. Buckeye, AZ 85326
623.349.6000
For more information on this publication, contact John O’Halloran at johalloran@buckeyeaz.gov.
BUCKEYE CITY COUNCIL
Eric Orsborn, Mayor
Craig Heustis, Vice Mayor, District 5
Tony Youngker, District 1
Jamaine Berry, District 2
Curtis Beard, District 3
Patrick HagEstad, District 4
Clay Goodman, District 6
The BYC is a vital asset to Buckeye, giving young people a platform to voice their ideas, build confidence and inspire others to make a difference. By investing in these future leaders, we’re strengthening our community today.
If you know a student who would be a great fit for the BYC, encourage them to apply and join this extraordinary group. Stay tuned for updates on their projects and accomplishments—the future of Buckeye is in great hands!
MEET THE TEAM
Maleah Davis (Chair)
Youngker High School Grade: 12th
Buckeye Union High School Grade: 12th
Verrado High School Grade: 10th
Mosher (Vice Chair)
Youngker High School Grade: 9th
Verrado High School Grade: 12th
Verrado High School Grade: 11th
Verrado High School Grade: 11th
Buckeye Union High School Grade: 12th
Grade: 12th
Buckeye Union High School Grade: 11th
Youngker High School Grade: 9th
Verrado High School Grade: 12th
Union High School Grade: 12th
Buckeye Union High School Grade: 10th
Verrado Middle School Grade: 8th
High School Grade: 10th
Jayden Bugarin
MacKenzie Bartholomew
Haylee
Hanna Hernandez
Ivy Brown
Raelynn Miller
Natalie Eng (Secretary)
Price Hemphill
Lesira Kpea
Paisley Brown
Madalynn Accomazzo
Lizbeth Ortiz
Leerabari Kpea
Jasper Sternfield
Madee Guy
Paige Black Scout Sternfield
Buckeye Union High School Grade: 11th
Verrado
Verrado Heritage Elementary School Grade: 8th
Odyssey
Buckeye
What Is the BYC: In Our Words
by Maleah Davis, Madee
The BYC is a dedicated group of representatives from across Buckeye, committed to bringing a youth-centered perspective to the community. An executive committee consisting of the council chair, vice chair and secretary runs the council with the help of city liaison, Sarah Silk. These passionate individuals strive to discover innovative ways to engage and connect with their peers while upholding the council’s core values: character, civic engagement and communication. Through monthly meetings, community volunteer work and impactful projects, the commission works to make a meaningful difference.
byc team building
Character:
At the heart of the Buckeye Youth Council is the value of character. This core principle guides the action, decisions and attitude of each member. We believe that strong character is built upon integrity, accountability and respect for others. Members are encouraged to hold themselves to the highest ethical standards, both within the council and in their own personal lives. The BYC serves as a platform for young individuals to develop their character through leadership opportunities, community service and collaboration. Through consistent dedication to our actions, we strive to lead by example and build a culture of trust and respect among our peers.
Civic Engagement:
One of the core values followed in the Buckeye Youth Council is civic engagement. Civic engagement can be defined as individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern. In our youth council, we take this very seriously as we are constantly striving to make our youth community better. We are constantly volunteering and ensuring that our city knows our presence and understands that they can lean on us when needed. Lastly, we contribute to many donation drives as well as even running some of our own.
byc food drive
Guy, Paige Black, MacKenzie Bartholomew
speaking
Communication is the foundation that connects and strengthens our council. As the BYC handbook emphasizes, effective communication is key to leadership, teamwork and community impact. Whether in a debate, a one-on-one conversation, small group discussions or addressing a large audience, the ability to articulate goals and viewpoints is essential for success. This year, the council has made improving communication a top priority. This led us to take a Toastmasters class, where members engage in lessons on communication at every meeting, fostering growth and connection.
BYC Meetings
The Buckeye Youth Council holds monthly meetings to stay united and accomplish goals. We start with roll call questions to learn more about each other, followed by workbook activities that help us improve as listeners, students and friends. Public speaking exercises are a regular part of our meetings to help us grow as leaders. Seniors update the council on their solo projects and request support if needed. Finally, we break into committees to work on our planned projects for the year.
The Buckeye Youth Council has established two dedicated committees to prioritize the youth of Buckeye: Community Outreach and Civic Engagement. These committees aim to bring the community closer together while making a meaningful impact by planning fun events and volunteering for local activities.
During our monthly meetings, we focus on brainstorming and collaborating within these committees to achieve our goals. Introduced at the start of this term, the committees have already made significant progress, including planning an exciting event for the entire Buckeye community to enjoy. We are proud to see our efforts coming to life and are motivated to continue working hard, knowing our contributions will leave a lasting impact on Buckeye’s youth and community for years to come.
Communication:
Committee Spotlight byc meeting
byc public
practice
BYC in the Community
by Scout Sternfield and Madalynn Accomazzo
BYC members dedicate countless hours volunteering at community events, making a meaningful impact on Buckeye. Through these events, we build connections, celebrate diversity and give back to the community in creative and engaging ways.
Senior Center Dance art walk
This year, the Community Outreach Committee created an Art Walk to highlight Buckeye’s diverse cultures. As you stroll through the event, you’ll experience crafts, music and traditions from cultures around the world. We’ve also included interactive activities for all ages, making it a fun and engaging experience for everyone. Join us Saturday, April 26, from 4:30 - 7 p.m. at Sundance Park!
One of BYC’s most beloved events is the winter Senior Center Dance, where we serve as waiters to give our seniors a night of relaxation and fun. Beyond serving, we also join in the dancing, creating special memories and meaningful connections with Buckeye’s elderly community.
Another favorite winter tradition, Glow on Monroe brings the community together for Buckeye’s annual holiday parade. In past years, BYC members helped judge the best float, but this year, we had the incredible honor of leading the parade! Seeing the huge crowd gathered to celebrate was inspiring and we loved the opportunity.
BYC PRESENTING AT YOUTH SUMMIT
Leadership in Action
by Price Hemphill
BYC members actively participate in leadership events that build skills, foster connections and address youth issues. The 2024 Youth Summit was a prime example of this, bringing together youth councils from across the West Valley to exchange ideas and collaborate on projects.
The summit featured networking opportunities, team-building activities and workshops on topics like drug prevention, public speaking and social anxiety management. Interactive sessions provided practical skills, while inspirational speakers motivated attendees with their personal journeys. Each youth council also shared their initiatives offering fresh perspectives and new ideas. The event ended with councils setting goals for 2025, reinforcing our commitment to making a difference in Buckeye and beyond.
eye on buckeye
Youth Summit 2024 Highlights
glow on monroe
Interview with Councilman Youngker Interview with Mayor Orsborn
by Natalie Eng by Haylee Mosher
1. What inspired you to pursue public service at the municipal level?
What inspired me was wanting to make a difference and being a part of Buckeye. My family has been a part of this community for a long time. I’ve always thought, if you think someone should be doing something about issues, then it should be you. Growth in Buckeye is inevitable; it’s our job to manage it the best we can.
2. What do you consider to be your most significant accomplishment so far?
On the council, I consider two things to be my most significant accomplishments.
• One being very vocal about preserving Oldtown Buckeye’s history, by helping create a Specific Area Plan and building it out. I believe it is important for Buckeye to remember and honor it’s roots.
• The second is ongoing diversification of water sources. Water is the only natural resource that can’t be man-made. There’s no way to fake it. Water is key to running Buckeye—everything from running a home, growing crops, raising livestock—nothing works without water.
3. What is the most rewarding part of serving on council?
In my opinion, the most rewarding part of serving on council is being the public voice in big decisions in a city that is being built for the future. I enjoy bringing in the right development in the right places. Things don’t always land perfectly, but when they come full circle, it’s incredibly rewarding.
1. What inspired you to run for Mayor?
I first ran for council and never thought I’d become an elected official. Seeing that I could make a difference with my skill set, personality and character inspired me to take that step.
2. Best piece of advice? How has it guided you?
There’s no single best piece of advice, but several bosses have told me to ask a lot of questions and be a good listener. It’s helped me both professionally and personally.
3. Most surprising thing you learned about yourself since becoming Mayor?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned since becoming Mayor is how much I’ve grown into the role. This role isn’t about having all the answers from day one, but about continuously growing, listening and striving to make the best decisions for our community.
4. Major projects or initiatives that you are most proud of?
I’m especially proud of the growth we’re seeing in employment and retail, as well as our efforts to develop the airport into a regional transportation hub and economic driver. These initiatives are creating new opportunities for residents and businesses alike, strengthening our local economy, and positioning Buckeye for long-term success.
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How To Get Involved
by Raelynn Miller
I f the BYC’s Eye on Buckeye takeover sparked your interest, this section provides all the information you need.This section provides all the information you need! Here you can learn more about how you or a peer can join in on the fun at the council, our values and goals and even the personal growth you can achieve by participating.
The Buckeye Youth Council is a youth council, meaning anyone in grades 8th - 12th can apply. We will accept applications from anyone in the Buckeye area, whether that be through attending a school in Buckeye or living somewhere within the Buckeye border. You will need a willingness to learn, a desire to participate and the ability to make it to monthly meetings. Service hours will also be required, so make sure you have some free time! Now that you have the necessary mindset, apply at buckeyeaz.gov/byc. Applications are open now and due by April 11, 2025
