Jason Marvel

Before stepping into the halls of Wasilla High School, one cannot miss the unique sense of Warrior pride. There is an impressive bronze statue that pays homage to Chief Wasilla for whom the city and school is named, and Wasilla High School Warriors mascots that now more accurately represents the Dena’ina Athabascan Indigenous peoples are emblazoned over the doors for all to see.

Wasilla High School is located on the ancestral land of the Dena'ina' and Ahtna people. And with guidance from Principal Jason Marvel, who worked closely with the Knik Tribal Council, Wasilla city officials, and others, there has been a renewed sense of community that celebrates and honors the shared history.

He has been involved in education for 27 years, with 17 of those years teaching English and coaching basketball, and now he is in his 10th year as an administrator. He is in his sixth year as principal of the Warrior Nation.

“This was my dream job. This is where I want to finish my career. I was a teacher here for nine years, and the community that Wasilla High School serves really has meant a lot to my family.”

Marvel and his family came up from Wyoming, and like many others, they didn’t know anyone, but quickly found a community ready to embrace them and give them a helping hand.

“They really embraced us. They brought us in, they helped us, and it just felt like a place that I was welcomed and belonged. So, serving as principal is my dream job, and I love helping the people in my community.”

He quickly grew to love the area as he became a respected teacher and coached his basketball team to multiple regional titles and a state championship in 2007.

“We’re a hard-working community. We have core values we believe in. We’re fiercely independent, however that doesn’t get in the way of lending a helping hand.”

Marvel is proud of the students and hopes others throughout Wasilla and beyond can see the comprehensive Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs they offer, as well as academics and athletics programs are surpassing every benchmark set.

“We are excelling on a lot of metrics across the district. Our CTE certifications that we’re pushing out are part of what our community needs. On the other side, the Advanced Placement course rate is rising to the top. Our pass rate is among the highest in the district at 96%, and we have the lowest discipline rate in the district. I hope the community sees that the product we’re putting out is something to really be proud of.”

It is also that sense of community and lending a helping hand that Marvel, along with WHS teachers Laura Anderson and Bret Copple have created the Warrior Nation Community Schools, a community-wide program aimed to provide technical and trade skills that will bolster the local workforce.

“That whole idea stemmed from talking to our community and hearing that there aren’t enough employees. So to be able to provide those classes, provide the help to people, and provide that needed development of the workforce for the community has been such a valuable thing to do.”

Marvel’s hard work and dedication to the school, staff, and community led him to be named Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals Region VIII Principal of the Year in 2024.

“I feel like I’m serving a community that has done so much for me and my family, and I’m very appreciative of that.”