2025 Voices: Neighborhood and Arts Advocates in Motion

Hope McCoy: A Voice for Community Preservation

Hope McCoy, a dedicated advocate for the Pleasant Valley community, is among the 2025 Citizens on the Move award recipients. Her efforts to reopen Pleasant Valley Elementary and preserve the heart of her community have made her a central figure in this movement.

McCoy grew up in Quitaque, a small rural town near Caprock Canyon State Park, where she witnessed the impact of school consolidation firsthand. She recalls how her brothers were forced to consolidate their high school education when Turkey and Quitaque towns were combined, leading to many students dropping out. This experience left a lasting impression on her and fueled her passion for preserving the identity of communities like Pleasant Valley.

After moving to Amarillo with her family, McCoy continued to be involved in her community. She has three daughters and a grandson, Axel, who attended Pleasant Valley for one year before it closed. This personal connection motivated her to fight for the school’s reopening and the preservation of the community’s heritage.

McCoy’s work extends beyond her advocacy for the school. She is actively involved in her church, the Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, and volunteers in various local initiatives. Despite facing challenges such as a head injury from a motorcycle accident that altered her career path, she has remained committed to her community.

Her efforts led to the formation of the Pleasant Valley and River Road Neighborhood Revitalization Group, which has been working to improve the quality of life in the area. Although the school closure remains unresolved, the group continues to explore ways to utilize the building and promote the neighborhood.

Becky O'Neal: Healing Through Compassion

Becky O’Neal, a registered nurse with over 38 years of experience, has dedicated her career to helping sexual assault victims heal and find justice. As a Sexual Assault Program Coordinator at Northwest Texas Hospital, she has performed over 3,500 exams and has served as an expert witness in numerous trials.

O’Neal is certified through the International Association of Forensic Nurses and played a key role in implementing the SANE (sexual assault nurse examiner) program at Northwest Hospital. This was the first program of its kind in Texas and the second in the nation. Her work involves collaboration with law enforcement, prosecutors, counselors, and other professionals to ensure victims receive comprehensive care.

O’Neal’s commitment to her community goes beyond her professional responsibilities. She volunteers in various capacities, including providing kindness and support to her own family. Her selflessness is evident in everything she does, from helping neighbors to organizing events for veterans and nursing homes.

She believes her work is a privilege, not just a job. O’Neal and her team provide critical medical attention and emotional support to victims, many of whom are children. Her mission is to bring awareness and education to the community while helping to end sexual and physical abuse.

Rachel Flores: Bringing Art to Life

Rachel Flores, the Executive Director of the Amarillo Art Institute, has transformed the Arts in the Sunset into a vibrant cultural hub. Under her leadership, the venue has become a magnet for gatherings, exhibits, festivals, and fun events.

Flores has seen exponential growth in the organization, expanding its reach from around 1,200 individuals a year to over 18,000. She emphasizes the importance of creating a space where people can express themselves and focus on their mental health.

The Arts in the Sunset, once a mall, has been repurposed into a thriving art center. It now hosts events like the Hoodoo Festival and the Amarillo Film Festival, offering easy access, ample parking, and multiple event halls. The venue also features interactive exhibits and First Friday, a popular meet-and-greet event.

Outside, the center has become a destination for live music, food trucks, and special events like the national Christmas tree. Inside, it showcases local artists and temporary exhibitions, making it a dynamic space for creativity and community engagement.

Long John Silver’s Crew: Reviving a Seafood Legacy

Long John Silver’s franchise crew, consisting of co-owners James Bryan, Randy Burnett, and Denis Schoenhofer, has brought a beloved seafood chain back to Amarillo. After the closure of all six locations in the city, they saw an opportunity to revive the brand.

Bryan, a fan of the chain during his time in Wichita, Kansas, noticed a resurgence in interest and decided to take action. With the help of his team, they purchased a building on South Bell and began renovations. Despite delays caused by weather and other challenges, the new location opened in August and broke all records for the franchise.

The success of the Amarillo branch has led to plans for another location on the other side of town. The restaurant has become a favorite among locals, offering crispy fish and chicken that had long been missed.

Coors Cowboy Club: Keeping the Cowboy Spirit Alive

The Coors Cowboy Club, formed 25 years ago, has remained true to its mission of promoting the cowboy way and helping the community. With around 100 members, the club supports various events and charities in Amarillo and the surrounding region.

Their main event, the Coors Cowboy Club Ranch Rodeo, is a celebration of Western heritage. The rodeo includes a cattle drive downtown and a chuckwagon cook-off, along with other activities like washer pitching tied to Route 66. The club also participates in community events such as High Noon on the Square.

Funds raised through their events support scholarships and other initiatives that keep the cowboy spirit alive. They also assist with national events like the National Cutting Horse Association and U.S. Team Penning Association competitions.