7-year-old Annie Clark who was born without hands just won a national award in penmanship.

On her entry form for students Grades 1-2, she wrote in print, “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” Annie also added, “Handwriting is fun and special!”

“She is a studious and conscientious student who really strives for perfection,” her teacher Laura Erb explains proudly. “She is very determined to get it right. When she does any kind of writing, she wants to make sure that it’s clear and concise and she really takes pride in her work.”

Clark was awarded the Nicholas Maxim Special Award for Excellent Penmanship. In a surprise ceremony at her school, the first grader received a trophy and a $1,000 prize.

After winning, Annie proudly showed everyone how she writes, carefully gripping the pencil between her forearms as she writes with precision.

“We don’t consider her a special ed [student], she’s just Annie,” Erb adds. “She picks up on things very quickly. She keeps pace with the classroom and the curriculum.”

Annie’s adopted parents, Tom and Mary Ellen Clark, have 9 children total, including 3 biological kids and 6 adopted kids from China (which includes Annie).

“She’s kind and sweet and loving and has added so much to our family,” Mary Ellen said proudly. “We just all adore her, and we can’t imagine life without her.”

“She went up to receive the trophy and I could tell she was overwhelmed, but she was poised,” the proud mom adds. “Then I would say it started to sink in and I saw her smile and I could tell she was enjoying the moment.”