A Maricopa High School student was named one of Junior Achievement of Arizona’s 2026 “18 Under 18” winners, earning statewide recognition for youth service and leadership.

Josephine Hoskins, 16, a sophomore at MHS, was honored Thursday at Junior Achievement’s office in Tempe as part of the annual awards program recognizing exceptional Arizona students.

According to Junior Achievement of Arizona, Hoskins is the founder of Jojo’s Love, a youth initiative centered on inclusion and empathy. The organization said she has reached more than 1,300 students and helped mobilize other young people for service projects supporting vulnerable communities. Junior Achievement also credited her with more than 500 service hours.

“We are proud to recognize another outstanding group of young people,” said Katherine Cecala, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Arizona. “These students are excelling in every aspect of life. They are leaders at school and in athletics, the arts, and science, taking on activism, launching nonprofits, and conducting meaningful research. They are not only shaping their own futures but also making a lasting impact on their communities and inspiring others to do the same.”

Hoskins was the only student from Maricopa named to this year’s list.

State Rep. Chris Lopez (R-Casa Grande) commended Hoskins in this achievement. 

“I was extremely proud to be there that night to hear [Hoskins] and all the recipients speak,” he told InMaricopa. “The youth of this state and especially of [Legislative] District 16 are leading the forefront of tomorrow’s future.”

The annual 18 Under 18 program highlights students from around Arizona for accomplishments in leadership, service, academics, entrepreneurship and community impact.

Junior Achievement of Arizona said this year’s winners were selected for making a difference well before adulthood, with honorees involved in efforts ranging from public health research and legal advocacy to sustainability, nonprofit work and healthcare access.

Founded in 1957, Junior Achievement of Arizona is a nonprofit organization focused on financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship education for K-12 students. The group said it reached nearly 170,000 students in the 2024-25 school year through programs delivered by nearly 8,000 volunteers.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated.