Andrew Murphy wasn’t your typical high school student. He missed a lot of school and his outlook on graduation was grim. But, he decided he did want to graduate from Carroll County High School and would do whatever it took to secure his diploma.
So, he sought help from Tracey Reynolds, the Youth Services coordinator at CCHS. Tracey has been a staple at CCHS since 1998.
Andrew knew Tracey because he was in school with her daughter and had gone to her for help before. “I felt like I needed to go back to school and graduate,” Andrew said. “I told her I’ll come every day and get the work done.”
“He showed up in my office one day and said I know you’ll help me,” Tracey said. The pair talked about the commitment it would take for him to graduate and Andrew agreed to do his part.
It was already January 2022 when Andrew came to her for help, so he was really behind in his classes. He had been attending during the first semester, but the second semester saw some tough situations that prevented him from getting to school.
Reynolds got to work helping him find transportation, took him shopping for school clothes, helped him get his driver’s permit and scheduling time for him to get help completing his assignments.
Tracey shared Andrew’s story with the Family Resources Youth Service Center (FRYSC)
impact spotlight last school year. She was recognized by the organization for her efforts helping Andrew. “This is what I’m supposed to do,” Tracey said.
Carroll County Schools Superintendent Casey Jaynes added his congratulations to Andrew for achieving his goal. “Thanks to Tracey Reynolds for helping this young man toward graduation and congratulations for being recognized for your efforts by the state FRYSC association. This is the type of dedication our staff has for our students and will push us toward a #CCtop10 district in the state,” Jaynes said.
Andrew admitted being surprised when she agreed to help him, but credits her for getting him to graduation. “She really did a lot for me. She’s the reason I graduated and have a job,” Andrew said. “I definitely thought I’d be in a bad place, until I got Tracey’s help.”
“He did the work,” Tracey said. “I just set it up where he had what he needed.”
In the midst of doubling down on coursework, Andrew and his girlfriend discovered they were going to have a baby. “She got me a job the same day I told her my girlfriend was pregnant,” Andrew recalled. He is now the proud dad of a little girl, who he says is the inspiration for continuing to work hard.
Andrew, who is 19 now, said he tries to stay positive about his life situation and surround himself with positive people. “I knew Tracey would help me. She was the only person taking care of me at the time,” he said.
“My life has worked out pretty good,” Andrew said with a smile. “You’ve got to ask for help.”
Tracey said that is precisely her role. “My role is to help,” she said matter-of-factly.