Meet 2024’s ‘Best dads’ InMaricopa

Being a dad isn’t a cakewalk.

Dads are important and deserve to be recognized, hence, the annual tradition of the Best Dad InMaricopa contest sponsored by Karsten’s Maricopa ACE Hardware. Forty-six Maricopa Dads were nominated by wives or their kids. InMaricopa.com users voted and three of the many deserving fathers were recognized as the “best” this Father’s Day.

These three men were honored June 15 at an awards presentation ceremony at Karsten’s Ace Hardware, 21542 N. John Wayne Pkwy.

First place – Matt Saucedo, father of 2

“It feels good to know they appreciate all the hard work I do for them,” Matt said of his children. “Do I consider myself the best dad? No, but probably the luckiest with kids like them.”

“Matt is the best dad in our eyes,” said his fiancée, Valarie. “He’s has been a hard worker for years, working 12-plus hours, six days a week to provide for his kids to have a better life than he or I did growing up.”

“He’s never given up on them and continues to provide no matter how tired he is. He never fails to make time for his children when he comes home after 14 hours of work to listen to them, play a board game or video games or even just to talk and hear them out.”

“His patience, understanding and hard work has helped shape our 2 kids into amazing caring humans.”

Second place – Stephen Kenna, father of 5

“I love them very much, they’re my everything,” Stephen said of his kids.

He said he takes each day “very deeply to my heart.”

“Stephen is the best dad because he will cheer up our kids when they are down. He is a silly and goofy guy who loves to make our kids laugh,” said his wife, Laura Kenna. “He works long hours but still finds time to make our kids smile.

“When our kids have bad moments, he is there for them with compassion, mercy, and love. At the end of the day, he prays for them and prays to be a better father the next day,” she said.

Third place – Alex Valdez, father of 4

“I feel very appreciative to be here,” Valdez said, accompanied by his two sons.

Brenda Valdez nominated her husband, and said he treats his two stepchildren as his own, attending school events, helping with homework or “simply being there to listen.”

“Alex is not only the father of our two sons, AJ and Brandon, but he is also the stepfather of my daughters, Miah and Alexia,” Brenda said.

“From the moment Alex entered their lives, he embraced the role of ‘papa’ with open arms and a heart full of love,” she added. “Alex has never treated Miah and Alexia as anything less than his own children.

“He has always gone above and beyond to ensure that they feel loved, supported, and cherished. Whether it’s attending school events, helping with homework, or simply being there to listen, Alex has been a constant source of guidance and encouragement in their lives.”

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