Age 12 · 7th Grade, Worcester East Middle School · Worcester, MA
Nangely doesn't wait to be asked. When a classmate's bag spills across the hallway, she's the one kneeling down to help put it back together. When someone needs a translator, she steps in, even when nobody asked her to.
"To me, helping means you're being a good person and using your own time to help someone, even if no one sees you helping," she says.
On November 14 at Knights, Crowns & Community, For One Child Foundation will honor Nangely with the 2026 Young Royal Ambassador Award.
Meet Nangely
Nangely is a seventh grader at Worcester East Middle School with a lot of interests. She plays the piano, loves to sing, reads books, plays volleyball, and is into robotics. Her favorite company? Her nephew and her dog, Bella.
She has also rolled up her sleeves for her city, joining the Earth Day cleanup on lower Lincoln Street.
Kindness, Even When It's Hard
Nangely has learned something many adults are still working on.
"Sometimes people can be mean and harsh, but it's because they may have something going on, so you should never be mean back," she says. "You should always be yourself, even if you feel insecure, because you got this."
Her biggest inspiration is her mom. "She taught me that no matter what someone says, to always be me, that 'I got this,' and to always believe in myself."
Why Young People Should Get Involved
"It's important for you to understand how to help people," Nangely says, "and you may need someone to help you one day too."
If she could make one change in the world, it would be "for everyone to be happy and live a good life, so that no one has to suffer or be left out. I know how it feels to be left out and insecure, but that doesn't mean you should stop achieving your dreams."
Dreaming Big
Nangely's plan: keep being herself, earn good grades, go to college, and become a music teacher, so she can share her love of piano and singing with the next generation.
What This Award Means
When Nangely heard she was being honored, she felt "excited and proud of myself."
"It means that I did a good job and showed leadership by helping and translating, even when nobody asked me to."
"I want my legacy to be that I am a person always willing to help, even when no one is looking. I will always have your back and tell you that you're perfect, no matter what." — Nangely
Her Message to Other Kids
"Don't ever think you can't make a difference, because no matter what you do or who you are, you are always unique, and you have younger people looking up to you. Don't feel insecure. Always be you."
We'll celebrate Nangely at Knights, Crowns & Community on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Thank you to everyone joining us for a sold-out evening honoring the young people leading the way.
For One Child Foundation: Empowering Education. Transforming Lives.