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Date: 2/1/2023
AGAWAM — Tracey Ngabaiya understands how other people feel when they’re struggling and in need of help. When she was younger, she had been in that situation. It’s one reason she’s excited about being her town’s representative to a statewide youth-led community service program.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Agawam Junior High School (AJHS) student engaged with hundreds of other eighth graders from around Massachusetts, the new class of “unsung heroes” who will engage in a year of community service. As the school’s 2023 “ambassador” to Project 351, she attended a kickoff event in Boston that included a day of service projects in the city.
Ngabaiya sees community service as critical to helping families that are less fortunate.
“When I was younger, there were times when I didn’t have things, so I know what it’s like to be in that place,” the 14-year-old explained. “I’m just so thankful for this opportunity to help people. I want them to know they have somebody helping them during hard times.”
Ngabaiya added that she’s inspired to aid others because of people who helped her and her mother.
“I understand their needs better because I know where they’re coming from and what they’re going through,” she said. “I know what it’s like to be in their shoes and I’m very thankful for what I have now.”
Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll met with the ambassadors on Jan. 14 to help launch Project 351’s 13th year of community service. The annual event honors King’s legacy, and every year coincides with the weekend celebration of the slain civil rights leader’s birthday.
A nonprofit organization, Project 351 inspires students through the ethic of service and values of kindness, compassion, humility and gratitude.
“Tracey has all of those qualities,” said AJHS Principal Norm Robbins. “She’s an outstanding leader, compassionate classmate, and wonderful role model for students and staff.”
Ngabaiya is happy to be serving as an ambassador because she once felt she could never be selected for an important opportunity to do “such great things” to help others.
“It makes me want to go back to my tiny self and say, ‘Tracey, you’re going to be like this amazing person, you’re going to be helping so many people — just wait and be patient.’”
Ngabaiya will participate in three Project 351 statewide service campaigns throughout the year, including a spring clothing drive for homeless children or kids living in poverty. The clothing drive is especially meaningful for her.
When she was younger, there was a point in her life when she had very few clothes to wear.
“It was a time when my mom just couldn’t afford to buy them for me,” she explained. “I don’t want other kids to be in the same spot. I don’t want them to feel the same way I used to feel and how my mom used to feel.”
Community service also is another way Ngabaiya can prepare for a future career as a nurse.
“Nurses help people feel better — not just physically, but also emotionally. This experience will help me when I’m older,” she said.
Ngabaiya, who loves babies, added that her goal is to become a labor and delivery nurse.: “When I see a baby, I scream with joy. When I go to church, I also like to take care of babies. Babies are so adorable. I just love them,” she said.
Her teachers praise Ngabaiya for her compassion for others.
“Tracey is an incredibly kind, intelligent, and big-hearted student,” said English teacher Frankie Walsh. “I have no doubt her leadership in all aspects of school — the classroom, the cafeteria, the hallways, and her extracurricular activities — will help her with the role of ambassador.”
Sarah Miller, a science teacher, called Ngabaiya a “very personable young adult” who advocates for herself as well as others. Miller said she has willingness to learn and a positive attitude.
“Tracey often speaks highly of her family, church, and babysitting small children. She has an interest in science and has mentioned an interest in nursing. Her sense of empathy is shown through her willingness to help others,” Miller added.
Math teacher Jennifer Toelken said Ngabaiya is an “amazing person and a great communicator” who works hard and gets along with everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender identity.
“Tracey has become confident in her abilities and is able to advocate for herself,” Toelken said. “She has shared many stories of her travels to visit her family in Africa and is very proud of her origins. I’m very lucky to have her as one of my students.”
Science teacher Pamela Petschke said when Ngabaiya was in her class last year, she nicknamed her “Ms. Sunshine” because she was the light of Petschke’s day and always brought a smile to her face.
She said Project 351 will hone Ngabaiya’s leadership skills, help build relationships with other like-minded ambassadors, and organize meaningful service projects for the AJHS community.
Added Petschke: “Tracey is an exceptionally kind, caring young woman. She is quick to volunteer to help others and isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She’s a perfect choice for our Project 351 ambassador.”