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Ng’iya Girls’ High School is basking in the glow of academic excellence following the release of the 2024 KCSE results, and one name stands out above the rest—Tecy Atieno Wagongo.
The 17-year-old student secured a remarkable straight A with 81 points, etching her name into the school’s illustrious history.
Yet, Atieno’s journey to the top was far from smooth, marked by determination, resilience, and a fierce drive to succeed.
When Atieno narrowly missed an academic flight last September, her dreams didn’t falter—instead, they soared higher.
She was determined to turn her disappointment into triumph. The school had organized a monumental trip to Nairobi for its top 10 Form Four students as a reward for academic excellence. Ranked 16th, she missed the opportunity by a whisker.
"I missed the KQ flight by a whisker as I was placed 16th," Tecy recalled. "But the airlift sparked off stiff competition in my class. It was almost bare-knuckle—gloves off!"
This moment of setback became the fuel for Tecy’s relentless drive to excel. And when the 2024 KCSE results were announced, Tecy was not just among the top; she had emerged as Ng’iya’s top performer with an impressive A plain of 81 points.
Tecy’s academic journey was far from smooth. Growing up in Ming’awo Primary School in Siaya County, where she scored 384 marks in her KCPE, her parents—both primary school teachers—often struggled to raise her school fees.
Despite financial challenges, Tecy was determined to make her family proud and pursue her childhood dream of becoming a neurosurgeon.
"My parents worked tirelessly to ensure I stayed in school. I knew I had to make their sacrifices count," Tecy said.
Her determination paid off, and when Ng’iya Girls’ class teacher, Mrs. Jane Ogada, arrived at her home in Gem Constituency to deliver the news, Tecy was overwhelmed with emotion.
"I couldn’t believe it. When Mrs. Ogada and other teachers told me I had topped the school, it felt surreal. I was speechless but overjoyed. This is a dream come true," she shared, beaming with pride.
Tecy now aspires to study neurosurgery at the University of Nairobi, inspired by her childhood dream and a deep-seated desire to impact lives.
Ng’iya Girls’ Stellar Performance
Ng’iya Girls High School, under the leadership of Principal Hellen Masengeli, had undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two years. Once considered a “sleeping giant,” the school reclaimed its place among Kenya’s academic elite in 2024.
With a mean score of 8.1053 (B-), the institution celebrated its best performance in years. The class of 2024 boasted one A, 26 A-, 95 B+, and 212 B grades, with an impressive university transition rate of 84.27%, a significant leap from 62.36% in 2023 and 73.37% in 2022.
Principal Masengeli’s leadership was instrumental in this turnaround.
“When I joined Ng’iya two years ago, I saw immense potential in the students and teachers,” she said.
“With the support of the Ministry of Education, the board, and our hardworking teachers, we created an environment where every student could thrive.” Masengeli’s pride was evident as she spoke of the school’s stellar results.
"This success is a testament to teamwork, dedication, and the resilience of our girls.”
Tecy Atieno’s story is one of grit, resilience, and ambition. Missing the academic flight didn’t deter her—it inspired her to aim higher. Her success symbolizes the rebirth of Ng’iya Girls High School, a sleeping giant that has now roared back to life under the visionary leadership of Principal Masengeli.
As Tecy prepares to embark on her journey to the University of Nairobi, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of her community, her family, and her alma mater.
Ng’iya Girls has set a new benchmark, proving that with determination, leadership, and support, excellence is within reach.
