First grader wins handwriting award - with no hands

April 24, 2012

It's not every day that someone wins a contest without the most valuable part to winning the contest.

That is exactly what first grader Annie Clark did by winning a handwriting excellence award without hands. She manages to write by wedging the pencil in between her forearms.

Her parents Tom and Mary Ellen Clark said she dresses herself, paints her toenails, and rides a bike.

"She can ride a bike. She swims. She is just determined that there’s nothing she can’t do," Mr. Clark tells reporters.

Annie was born in China with no hands. One of the best parts of this story is what her parents did for her and others like her.

She was adopted by the Clarks, who have also adopted two other disabled Chinese children, both with missing parts of their forearms. They also adopted Alyssa, who was born with down syndrome, and Amelia, who has an undiagnosed lesion on her leg.

The Clarks take joy in making the lives of children born with a disadvantage and giving them an opportunity to excel and live a happy meaningful life.

annie clarke
Larry Roberts/ Post-Gazette


Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoCouple Rescues Prairie Dog From Their Dog's Mouth, Then Decides To Adopt It

feel good storiesOhio Man Makes Waves With His Fully Functioning Hot Dog Boat

feel good storiesWhy Hope Is The Key To A Meaningful Life, Backed By New Research

feel good storiesThese Are The Movie Scenes People Say Are Absolutely Flawless

feel good storiesJudge Waives Parking Fines So Dad Can Keep Supporting Son’s Space Dreams

feel good storiesHungry Elephant Casually Walks Into Grocery Store For Snacks In Thailand

feel good videoDog Saves His Best Friend's Life In Incredible Moment Caught On Video

feel good videoWoman Tries To Help Bird, Then This Happened... And We Can't Stop Laughing

feel good videoNewborn Baby Has Sweet Conversation With Dad While Lying On Mom’s Face

feel good videoSassy Pig Throws Hilarious Tantrum, Slams Door And Gives Mom Silent Treatment

feel good videoConcerned Momma Moose Wanders Into Alaska Firehouse

Chris Filippou 12:17 PM (3 minutes ago) to me