Nominee
Years in Buda: 10+ years

Sandra Bryant has devoted over two decades to serving and strengthening the Buda community through leadership, advocacy, and volunteerism across multiple areas of community life. As the first elected African American Trustee on the Hays CISD School Board (2011-2017), Sandra broke barriers while serving twice as Vice President and Secretary, personally visiting all 22 schools to understand student and family needs firsthand. In 2011, she founded the nonprofit "Keeping Communities Connected" to provide mentorship, scholarships, and counseling for local youth, complementing her 20+ years as a basketball coach. Sandra's extensive community involvement includes serving on the boards of the Hays Caldwell Women's Center, Buda Lions Club, Buda Police Foundation (as Chair and co-founder), and Summer Pointe HOA (as President). A U.S. Army Reserves veteran, Sandra was elected Justice of the Peace for Precinct 5 in 2022 and played a vital role in creating Buda's First Black History Month Community Celebration, receiving the city's Black History Proclamation in 2020. As one nominator stated: "She truly embodies the spirit of our community... her legacy to Buda is not only what she contributes but the role model that she is to this community."

Dual Nomination
Years in Buda: Residents since 1984

Charles and Nancy Handrick have profoundly shaped Buda's community spirit through four decades of selfless service since 1984. Best known as the driving force behind Buda's signature Annual Country Fair and Wiener Dog Races for 28 years, they transformed a small local gathering into a regional attraction that has put Buda on the map. Their extraordinary 30+ year commitment to the Buda Lions Club includes running concession stands at Hays CISD football games to fund scholarships, establishing Leo Clubs at three high schools, and earning the district's highest honor—the Harry Reasonover Award. Charles served as District Governor for District 2-S3 (2008-2009), overseeing 52 Lions Clubs, and will be inducted into the Texas Lions Hall of Fame in June 2025. The couple has also supported the Food Bank's Thanksgiving Turkey giveaways, conducted vision screening for 3,500 students annually since 2018, and led initiatives including building the Gazebo on the Greenbelt and installing the sprinkler system at the Hays Youth Soccer Fields. Working as a team, the Handricks have multiplied their impact through partnership, creating lasting programs while inspiring countless others to embrace community service and strengthening the fabric of Buda for generations to come.

Nominee (Posthumous)
Years in Buda: Resident from 1972-2022 (50 years)

James "Mike" Huckaby exemplified dedicated community service throughout his 50 years in Buda. After earning two Purple Hearts in Vietnam, Mike and his wife Pamela settled in Buda in 1972, becoming pillars of the community.

As one of the founding members of the Buda Lions Club, he dedicated 47 years (1975-2022) to community service. Mike was highly active with the Buda Vo-Ag and Hays County Livestock Show, serving as President of the Stock Show Board. Many residents knew him as the enthusiastic announcer of the annual Buda Wiener Dog Races for 24 years.

Though Mike passed away in 2022, his legacy continues through scholarships in his name and through his son Clay Huckaby, who followed his father's path of service and now serves as Buda's Fire Chief. Known for his contagious laugh and vibrant smile, Mike Huckaby's influence remains alive in both the institutions he helped build and the family legacy he inspired.

Nominee (Posthumous)
Years in Buda: Born and raised in Buda (1957-2022)

Rene Alcala embodied the heart and soul of Buda through his 42 years of service at Helen's Casa Alde, the first Mexican restaurant in Buda founded by his mother in 1980. Born and raised in Buda, Rene became an integral part of the town's daily life and culture through his management of this beloved family restaurant.

Following his parents' passing, Rene stepped up alongside his wife and daughter to preserve Helen's legendary recipes and welcoming atmosphere. His dedication was perhaps most evident after a devastating fire in 2020, when rather than closing, the family pivoted to a food truck behind Helen's old family home.

Rene passed away in October 2022, but his impact remains profound. His warm smile and genuine kindness "truly changed the lives of so many," making breakfast at Helen's an essential part of Buda life for generations. His contribution to Buda's identity was so significant that he was honored with an official resolution in the Texas Legislature, recognizing how deeply he was woven into the fabric of the community.

Nominee
Years in Buda: Lifelong Resident

Born and raised in Buda, Clay Huckaby has devoted his life to protecting and serving his hometown community. Following in the footsteps of his father, James "Mike" Huckaby, Clay joined the Buda Volunteer Fire Department at just 16 years old—a decision that would blossom into a 25-year career dedicated to public safety.

Under Clay's leadership, the Buda Fire Department has grown into one of the most outstanding departments in the Austin area. His vision and persistence were instrumental in the development of Buda's new fire station, a state-of-the-art facility that enhances the department's ability to serve the growing community.

Clay's dedication transcends professional duty—it's a passion that connects him deeply to Buda's past, present, and future. As he puts it, "I actually get up every day and get paid to do my hobby now." This enthusiasm, combined with his family legacy of service, makes Clay Huckaby an embodiment of Buda's community spirit and a worthy candidate for recognition as a Local Legend.

Nomination
Years in Buda: Resident since 1984
Nancy Handrick, known affectionately as "Miss Nancy" throughout Buda, has been the heart and soul of community service for nearly four decades. Her commitment to the Buda Lions Club spans over 30 years, where she has helped sponsor local charities and families in need, raised funds for the Buda Lions Camp, supported Hays schools' athletic programs, and provided scholarships for local students—earning her the district's highest honor, the Harry Reasonover Award. For 20 years, Nancy helped establish and sponsor the Leo Club at Hays High School, growing it to have the largest membership in the state and instilling community service values in generations of young people. Perhaps most visibly, she has been instrumental in planning, organizing, and executing the Annual Country Fair and Wiener Dog Races for 28 years, transforming it from a small local gathering into a regional attraction that draws thousands each April. Her service extends to helping the Food Bank with Thanksgiving Turkey giveaways and assisting school nurses with vision screening for approximately 3,500 students annually since 2018. What makes Nancy truly special is her humble approach to service—as one nominator noted, "She has always humbly served her friends, neighbors, community, and anyone who needs help," embodying the quiet dedication and genuine care that defines a Local Legend.

Nominee
Years in Buda: Lifelong resident (80+ years)

Born into one of Buda's founding families, Sandra Garison Grizzle represents a living connection to the town's earliest days. This lifelong resident has been instrumental in preserving Buda's heritage through her contributions to "Buda Back in the Day" as an oral historian and through her stewardship of historic property.

In 1995, Sandra purchased the historic Garison filling station at the corner of Main Street and 967—a landmark built by Dave Garison in 1920—where she now operates Shops on Main. Through this business, she has both preserved an important piece of Buda's architectural heritage and created space for local businesses to thrive.

Sandra's dedication to Buda's history comes from the heart: "I'm a real history buff... when I married into the family that had so much history, I guess that's why it meant so much to me." As a business owner, property owner, community leader, and keeper of Buda's stories, Sandra Garison Grizzle exemplifies what it means to be a Local Legend.

Nominee
Years in Buda: Lifelong Resident

Mallory Gray Barnett’s roots in Buda run deep, growing up near the train tracks and attending Buda Elementary since 2003. Today, she manages the beloved Buda Soda Fountain side of her family's business, Buda Pharmacy and Soda Fountain, which the Gray family has owned and operated since 2006. While her mother serves as the pharmacist, Mallory has become the familiar, welcoming face of the soda fountain.

What makes Mallory special is how she preserves "the old feel of Buda" through her daily interactions with community members. As her nominator shares, "Every time I go pay her a visit I feel like I have traveled back in time." Her warm smile and genuine hospitality make everyone "feel right at home," embodying the small-town charm that defines Buda.

Through her dedicated management of this nostalgic gathering place, Mallory maintains an important piece of Buda's heritage and community spirit, making her a worthy candidate for recognition as a Local Legend.