Mazelle Joseph of Juneau to be honored with Spirit of Youth Awards

Mazelle Joseph, a Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé student, has been selected for a Spirit of Youth Dreamer Award. (Courtesy photo)

(Spirit of Youth press release)

Mazelle Joseph, a Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé student, has been selected to receive a Spirit of Youth Dreamer Award, which recognizes teens who are actively engaging in their community through the preservation of cultural practices and arts, those who share personal expression through visual or performing arts, and those who cultivate youth voice through media and digital art forms.

Joseph is a youth organizer with Alaska Youth for Environmental Action, inspiring peers, especially Alaska Native youth, through her dedication to culture and language. She created a Tlingit-language short film for a youth-led climate and storytelling project, showcasing her connection to the land and culture while urging protection against pollution and climate change.

The Spirit of Youth Awards highlight dedicated young people and unsung heroes from around Alaska. Now in its 28th year, the awards recognize the hard work and efforts of these future leaders and utilize this opportunity to report their inspiring and heartwarming stories.

Recipients were chosen by the Spirit of Youth Teen Advisory Council. Individual recipients will receive a college savings scholarship account from Alaska 529, while groups selected will receive a grant for their project.

Spirit of Youth is a statewide organization working to unite Alaskans of all ages to promote positive youth development and increase resiliency and connectedness in Alaska’s youth. By working within the community, Spirit of Youth links adults and youth in healthy supportive relationships and creates opportunities for community engagement across the state.

Sponsors of the 2026 Spirit of Youth awards include: Alaska 529; Alaska Airlines; Alaska Children’s Trust; Altman, Rogers & Co; Atwood Foundation; Enstar; Nicholas J. and Pegge Begich Public Service Fund; Northrim Bank; and Recover Alaska.

The Spirit of Youth Awards will take place Saturday, March 28, at The Wildbirch Hotel in Anchorage.