Despite not being born without hands, Anaya chose not to use a prosthesis and decided to learn how to hold a pencil between her two arms to write and draw. Anaya’s mother, Bianca Middleton said she is proud to see how much her daughter is struggling to be independent.

”I’m proud because it encourages her, for her to see that hard work does pay off,” Bianca said. This is not the first award Anaya would be winning, she also won a national award for her print writing in 2016.

Anaya’s teacher, Sara Cannaday mentioned that she is very quiet and shy in class adding that she always serves as an inspiration to others. “Anaya is a role model to everyone,” Saya said.

Anaya’s father, Gary Ellick said they are proud of her because she does not let her situation hinder her from doing anything. “She’s really independent, from tying shoes, putting clothes, getting baths,” Gary said.

“It was always like ‘I can do it’. So, that just carried on over the years,” He added. They mentioned that her next focus is Sports.