A bright nine-year-old schoolgirl is defying expectations across the globe through her exceptional penmanship. Anaya Ellick, a third-grader born without hands, has officially secured her second prestigious national handwriting award.
Her incredible triumph at the 2018 Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest has inspired millions, proving that determination easily overcomes physical barriers.
Winning the National Handwriting Award Again
Anaya’s remarkable achievement came when judges named her the national cursive handwriting winner for students with special needs. She earned the highly respected Nicholas Maxim Award, an honour reserved for pupils who show extraordinary skill despite physical or developmental obstacles.
Remarkably, this is not her first time standing in the spotlight. The young scholar previously claimed the same trophy for print writing back in 2016. Winning a national handwriting award twice in three years puts her in an elite category of young writers nationwide.
Writing Without Prosthetic Hands
What makes Anaya’s story so remarkable is her technique. The nine-year-old student does not use prosthetic hands at all. Instead, she taught herself to hold a pencil firmly between her forearms to form clean, beautiful letters.
Her third-grade teacher, Sara Cannaday, remains deeply inspired by the young girl’s daily effort and attitude in the classroom.
“Anaya is a role model to everyone,” Cannaday told CBS-affiliate WTKR.
Despite the national recognition, Anaya remains refreshingly humble about her feat.
“I was happy and I thought my mom was joking when she said I won again,” Anaya told reporters.
Family Pride and Complete Independence
Anaya’s family could not be prouder of her relentless work ethic. Her mother, Bianca Middleton, explained how much the national recognition means to their family dynamic.
“I’m proud because it encourages her. For her to see that hard work does pay off,” Middleton told WTKR.
Her father, Gary Ellick, noted that his daughter’s grit is nothing new. She has always tackled daily tasks with total confidence, refusing to let her condition limit her ambitions.
“She’s really independent – from tying shoes, putting clothes, getting baths. It’s was always like, ‘I can do it,'” he said.
Looking Ahead to New Goals
Having conquered the world of penmanship twice, the young Virginian is already setting her sights on new challenges. Never one to rest on her laurels, the energetic third-grader revealed that sports are next on her list.
Given her track record of overcoming obstacles, nobody is doubting her ability to succeed on the field just as she did at the writing desk. Her story continues to remind readers everywhere that focus and perseverance beat difficult circumstances every single time.
