9-Year-Old Born Without Hands Wins National Handwriting Contest, Proves Nothing is Impossible
Anaya's father, Gary Ellick, highlighted her independence and refusal to let her condition limit her activities. "She’s really independent, from tying shoes to putting on clothes and getting baths," he said. "It was always like 'I can do it'. So, that just carried on over the years."
Binye-lum 
Anaya Ellick, a 9-year-old from Greenbrier Christian Academy in the United States, has won the Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest despite being born without hands. Competing in the special needs category, Anaya impressed judges with her cursive handwriting skills.
Rather than using a prosthesis, Anaya learned to write by holding a pencil between her two arms. Her mother, Bianca Middleton, expressed immense pride in her daughter's determination and independence. "I'm proud because it encourages her, for her to see that hard work does pay off," she said.
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This is not Anaya's first handwriting accolade; she also won a national award for her print writing in 2016. Her teacher, Sara Cannaday, described Anaya as a quiet and shy student who serves as an inspiration to her classmates. "Anaya is a role model to everyone," Cannaday noted.
Anaya's father, Gary Ellick, highlighted her independence and refusal to let her condition limit her activities. "She’s really independent, from tying shoes to putting on clothes and getting baths," he said. "It was always like 'I can do it'. So, that just carried on over the years."
Looking ahead, Anaya's next focus is on sports, continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible.
In related news, Shima Nixon, who lost both her legs in a car accident, has become the first medical doctor with a disability in the United States. Nixon overcame her challenges to achieve this milestone after a traumatic accident in 2013 while attending Pitt Community College.
